UPEI students attend Michelle Obama event

Through the generosity of the UPEI Alumni Association and a donor, UPEI sponsored the attendance of 100 students at “A Conversation with Michelle Obama,” which took place in Halifax on October 18.

The former First Lady of the United States spoke live on stage at the Scotiabank Centre to a 10,000-person capacity crowd with over 3,000 young people in attendance. The event was organized by the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council in collaboration with six post-secondary institutions in the region, including UPEI. Obama, who recently wrapped up a book tour for The Light We Carry, spoke as part of the council’s 75th-anniversary celebrations.

Obama, who is an American attorney, author, and graduate of Princeton and Harvard universities, is married to former US president Barack Obama. A role model and advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating, Obama spoke about her time at the White House but also about the various initiatives and areas she is passionate about, including motivating young people. She directed most of her comments during the interview-style event to the youth in the audience, encouraging them to “just try new things, don’t be afraid, step out of your comfort zone and soar.”

The tickets that were allocated to UPEI were distributed by the faculties and the UPEI Student Union to student leaders. The Student Union also held a random draw for 20 tickets. UPEI secured Maritime Bus to provide same-day transportation to and from Halifax and provided refreshments on the drive over to Halifax to ensure there were no costs for students.

“This was an extraordinary opportunity for student leaders to learn and participate in an enriching evening with one of the world's leading voices on equity, diversity, inclusion, women, and youth leadership,” said Camille Mady, president of the UPEI Student Union. “The experience was surreal and engaging—it was an amazing event!”