Former First Lady Michelle Obama has released a special back-to-school message.

“The harder you work in your classes this year, the more opportunities you’ll have to go to college and get the education you need to be who you want to be and build the life you want to live,” Obama tells students in a video message released by Better Make Room. “And that matters not just for your future, but for the future of our country and our world.”

Obama ends the video by encouraging students to visit the Better Make Room website and share an “I will” statement.

The statement should “tell the world exactly what you’re going to do to reach higher this year,” Obama said.

“Each one of you has something to offer — something that only you can bring to this world,” she tells students. “And I can’t wait to see what you achieve in the months and years ahead.”

Watch the full video and learn more about Better Make Room.

Admitted writer/editor Mary Stegmeir welcomes additional comments and story ideas at mstegmeir@nacacnet.org.