Michelle Obama Says She's Officially 'Back' In First Major Speech Since Leaving White House

Michelle Obama is officially back!

The 54-year-old former First Lady stepped out at the School Counselor of Year ceremony on Friday (February 2) at The Kennedy Center in New York City.

Michelle took to the stage to give her first major speech since leaving the White House last year and declared that she’s officially “back.”

She also thanked educators and counselors who help to transform “the lives of young people across the country.”

“Trust me, I know this work isn’t easy, especially right now. I know there’s a lot of anxiety out there. And there’s no denying our kids, what they see on TV, the kind of behavior being modeled in public life, that, yes, impacts their behavior and their character,” Michelle said.

She added, “But at times like this, the work that you all are doing is even more urgent. Even more critically important. You all have the power to teach kids what it means to go high when others go low.”

Later, Kirsten Perry was awarded Counselor of the Year.