Many of us are aware of the recent fear and anxiety that Americans have been feeling. Either it be due to what's happening abroad or what's happening here, we are all frightened of what is to come in the next few years. What can we do as citizens to make an impact in our rapidly changing world? Why should we go to college if we only end up with mediocre jobs? What if I can't afford college? Our First Lady, Michelle Obama, puts so eloquently in her final speech statements that we all need to ponder. Especially this generation, with an outstanding percentage of youth growing rapidly into becoming adults.

Michelle Obama emphasizes in her speech that in making a success of oneself, no one person can have everything. Not everyone will have exceptional circumstances or finances, but what one makes of themselves now is because of the work put into one's education and using it to reach our utmost potential that could lead to greater things down the line. Education is key in making something of oneself and one's future. There should be no doubts of hope when opportunity awaits and there is nothing else to push you towards it but yourself.

Do not let the world's chaos tear down dreams and aspirations you want for yourself. Let the world be your stage and do not be afraid to speak up or go out of your way to get where you want to be in life. Do not let anyone discourage you or sway you away from the path you deem is meant for you. Do not let labels hold you back. Do not let discrimination or prejudice blind you from seeing your true greatness.

For my generation, I hope we all are "more focused" than ever, in going back to the First Lady's speech. I hope we all work to the best of our abilities to achieve a better life not only for ourselves, but for the world and the people around us. We all have so many resources to pull from and use to make a difference and change. We all just need to find in ourselves to not just live a life counting down the days, but one of gratitude and respect in ourselves that we did something extraordinary. All of us in this beautifully diverse country have different ideas and skill sets that could change the course of history. We all have a purpose in this lifetime and it's just up to us to find it in ourselves and make use of our talents.