Michelle Obama sweeps through Big Apple

First lady Michelle Obama had quite the day in New York, meeting Elmo, talking to diplomats, and tonight appearing at Time magazine's swanky event for the world's most influential people.

"I'm thrilled to be here, but I was just at Sesame Street, I'm sorry," she told employees this afternoon at the US mission to the United Nations. "And I never thought I'd be on Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird, and I was thrilled. I'm still thrilled. I'm on a high. I think it's probably the best thing I've done so far in the White House."

She went on to praise the US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, and the employees. In the latest stop in her morale-boosting tour of federal agencies, she told them that their work is crucial to President Obama's pursuit of a new era of engagement in the world.

"There are people around the world counting on the success of your efforts. The young boy who is forced to carry a rifle and become a child soldier, he's counting on you," she said. "The girl locked out of the school house or attacked because she had the audacity to want to learn to read or write, she's counting on you. The mother walking hours each day to find clean water for her children, she's counting on you. And the father who leaves his family for months or years on end in search of work, he's counting on you, as well.

"Social and economic development programs give millions of people hope and a chance at a brighter future, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous world for us all," she added.

Tonight at the Time magazine event, the first lady is highlighting efforts closer to home to improve the sense of community.

She praises young people who are trying to make a difference, including John Alford who, she said, grew up in a housing project in Brooklyn, attended college in North Carolina and Harvard Business School, and recently launched "NOLA 180" to turn around failing public schools in New Orleans.

“We push our young people to strive for things, an advanced degree, a job title, a big salary," she says, according to prepared remarks released by the White House.

“Rarely do we urge them to stop and think about what their passion is, what kind of life they want to live, what kind of neighbors and colleagues and parents they want to be. In doing so, we, as a society, often miss out on their creativity, their inventiveness, their resourcefulness– and some really good ideas!

“We also miss out on the opportunity to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who will direct their energy and talent toward solving their community’s – and our nation’s – most serious social problems."

Her full remarks at both venues are below:

REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY TO EMPLOYEES AT THE UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

MRS. OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you so much. I am thrilled to be here. Thank you, Susan, for that kind introduction. I'm thrilled to be here, but I was just at Sesame Street, I'm sorry. (Laughter.) And I never thought I'd be on Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird, and I was thrilled. I'm still thrilled. I'm on a high. (Laughter.) I think it's probably the best thing I've done so far in the White House. But we were there talking about nutrition and healthy eating, and it's just been a thrill. So I'm glad I could take the time to be here with you all.

You know, I just want to tell you that Susan Rice -- I could take her introduction of me and turn it around and do the same thing for her. She is a trusted adviser and friend to the President and to me. And I know how appreciative Barack was when Susan agreed to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations, because of the importance that he places on the work that you all do. And having someone that he trusts and expects -- and respects and admires and who is also wicked smart -- I like that one -- (laughter) -- just is a sign of how valued this work is to the White House.

It is a pleasure to be here in New York. This is my first trip back to the city since I've become First Lady. It seems like I was just here, but it's been a hundred and seven, eight, nine days or something like that.

But in addition to doing some traveling around the country and around the world a little bit, I've been doing, as Susan mentioned, a lot of traveling around Washington, and trying to meet our new neighbors. That's something that we were taught; that when you move into a new place, that you learn about your community, that you introduce yourself, and you not just talk but you listen.

And I've been going around to as many federal agencies as I can. The goal is to hit all of them, and I've been to about 10 agencies, and really trying to shine a bright light on all of the hard work done by our nation's employees.

You know, my task when I go is simple: is to say thank you. And many people don't hear that. Many people don't feel that the years that they've put in -- sometimes are not appreciated. And my visits are just a simple way of saying yes, in fact, we see you, we know who you are, we value what you do, and we couldn't be here, wouldn't be here without you.

I've had the chance to meet so many people who've dedicated their lives, their entire careers to strengthening our nation. And in fact, here today I want to acknowledge 40 of those people who are sitting in the front rows here -- oh, this is the 40. (Laughter.) I was trying to figure out while I was standing there, which is the 40? (Laughter.) It's you!

It's my understanding that everyone over here has worked for the U.S. government for more than 20 years, and that includes Ivan Ferber. (Laughter.) Where's Ivan? (Applause.) He has worked here a remarkable 47 years -- longer than I've been alive. (Laughter.) So let's give Ivan and all of them a round of applause. (Applause.)

I have also been going around to do one of my favorite things, and that's meeting with kids in the schools and community centers and encouraging them to study hard -- my whole model is, being smart is really cool, so get it together -- telling them that we're going to need them to be prepared, basically, to take on the reins and become the future leaders, the future public servants, really trying to let them know that developing careers in public service and thinking about that now is a really good thing -- because we're going to need them, we're going to have a lot of work to do.

And I've learned that I don't need to work too hard sending that message to your kids, because the President was sent a letter the other day from the son of Scott Turner. (Laughter.) Where's Scott? All right, so Scott's son, Jack, a first grader -- okay, I know I'm going to embarrass you, but this is a good one -- (laughter) -- he wrote the following letter to the President:

Dear Mr. Obama, can you move to New York? (Laughter.) Because people like you so much in New York. I will help you come to New York. (Laughter.) And people are doing bad stuff in New York. (Laughter.) I will help you get the bad people. And when I catch the bad people, I will put them in jail. (Laughter.) That's why I want you to move to New York. From, Jack. (Laughter and applause.)

So ladies and gentlemen, I think we have identified the new future New York Police Commissioner! (Laughter.) Jack, on the case. (Laughter.)

Now, I know that part of Ambassador Rice's mission is to strengthen the U.N., but I also didn't think that nepotism was a part of it, but it's sometimes a good thing, and I've got an embarrassing story for her, as well.

A couple of weeks ago Susan's 11-year-old son, Jake, was here for Take Your Child to Work Day, a day that I know all drove us crazy, but the kids liked it. We had -- we enjoyed it at the White House, as well. But he was apparently embarrassed to be caught eating ice cream when the South African Ambassador was approaching his mother's office. And not wanting to, and this is a quote from Jake, to "make a bad first impression," Jake dumped his ice cream -- (laughter) -- just so he could introduce himself. Now, see, that's diplomacy -- (laughter) -- right there for an 11-year-old to sacrifice ice cream to shake the hand appropriately of a fellow ambassador.

AMBASSADOR RICE: If only he was so -- (inaudible.)

MRS. OBAMA: Well, you know -- (laughter) -- they never -- they never do that with us. (Laughter.) But good home training -- he was able to do it outside. So I want to thank Jake for taking so seriously his role in creating the best impression of American diplomacy.

But I think our future is in good hands, from what I've been seeing, traveling around. And I know that each and every one of you has a child in your life that you are desperately pushing ahead, and you know they can do it. So I believe we're going to be okay.

And I believe we're presently in good hands because of all of you. From what I'm seeing in my agency visits, people are ready and willing to sacrifice and roll up their sleeves.

As the President has said, the United States is pursuing a new era of engagement when it comes to advancing America's interests around the world. This new policy recognizes the fact that America's future is intricately linked to the rest of the world; that the threats facing the global community know no borders, and no single country can tackle them alone.

And we've learned this again with the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus. We know now that we can not wall ourselves off from issues that are challenging our neighbors. It is moments like this when having relationships based on mutual trust and respect will be most beneficial. And as the world becomes even smaller and our future more inter-connected and the stakes ever higher, your work is more important. It has never been more important. Your work links the world to America and American ideals that are beacons of hope for millions of people.

As I told the young women at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in London during our recent trip, I told them there was nothing in my life that would suggest that I would become First Lady. Rather, it is the premise of America and the promise kept that brings me here today.

There are millions of girls and boys in countries near and far who are looking for a way to make the most of their lives. There are parents struggling to raise those kids, there are teachers working hard to teach them, community leaders struggling to give them safe, nurturing communities where they can grow and thrive. And they're doing this against some pretty incredible odds, especially in developing countries.

And that's why the work that you do here to advance America's interests and to make the U.N. a more effective and efficient organization is so important.

There are people around the world counting on the success of your efforts. The young boy who is forced to carry a rifle and become a child soldier, he's counting on you. The girl locked out of the school house or attacked because she had the audacity to want to learn to read or write, she's counting on you. The mother walking hours each day to find clean water for her children, she's counting on you. And the father who leaves his family for months or years on end in search of work, he's counting on you, as well.

Social and economic development programs give millions of people hope and a chance at a brighter future, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous world for us all.

And in my role as First Lady, what I hope to do is to work with you in some way, shape or form to help build that mission. And I am looking forward to joining you in this endeavor.

So I want to thank you all for what you've done, what you will continue to do. We are rooting for you, and we need you. So thank you so much.

REMARKS OF FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AT
TIME 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE AWARDS

“Thank you Rick for that kind introduction and thank you for including me in tonight’s festivities.

“It is a pleasure to join you all.

“There are few times in history when the saying ‘we are all in this together’ would be more applicable than now.

“Events like this one show how truly connected our world is;

“how one person’s invention can create an entirely new economy;

“how one person can change how we see the world.

“The ability of one person to influence the outcome of someone else’s life inspires me.

“When I made the decision to leave my job to found Public Allies Chicago, an AmeriCorps program that prepares youth for public service, I realized right away that I had made the right decision.

“There are few things more rewarding than watching young people recognize that they have the power to enrich not only their lives, but the lives of others as well.

“But careers in public service are not always encouraged.

“We push our young people to strive for things, an advanced degree, a job title, a big salary.

“Rarely do we urge them to stop and think about what their passion is, what kind of life they want to live, what kind of neighbors and colleagues and parents they want to be.

“In doing so, we, as a society, often miss out on their creativity, their inventiveness, their resourcefulness– and some really good ideas!

“We also miss out on the opportunity to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who will direct their energy and talent toward solving their community’s – and our nation’s – most serious social problems.

“Careers focused on lifting up our communities – whether helping transform troubled schools or training workers for green jobs or helping low-income families access health care – are not always obvious.

“But, at a time when our nation is facing unprecedented challenges, encouraging careers in public service and social innovation is more important than ever.

“Already, we are seeing young people leading the way with their entrepreneurial spirit, energy and commitment to serving their communities.

“For example, Charles Best, a former Bronx public school teacher, started an online philanthropic marketplace called Donors Choose to help teachers who were spending up to $500 a year out of their own pockets for basic classroom materials.

“Through Donors Choose, ordinary citizens can directly fund projects initiated by enterprising public school teachers.

“Online donations have helped students in San Jose become avid readers through the Dr. Seuss series.

“An art class in the Bronx had no paint brushes. Now every student has a set.

“Rebecca Onie is a social entrepreneur who founded “Project Health” to help break the link between poverty and poor health.

“I remember meeting Rebecca when I was at the University of Chicago and I was very impressed with her.

“Rebecca organizes college students to staff Help Desks in urban medical centers, universities and community centers.

“Students then connect low-income families to other critical community and government resources – such as housing vouchers, supplemental nutrition assistance, and educational support.

“This year, 600 college volunteers will dedicate 100,000 hours to connect over 15,000 low-income children and adults to the resources they need to be healthy.

“And then there is John Alford who grew up in a housing project in Brooklyn, attended college in North Carolina and then Harvard Business School.

“John recently launched NOLA 180 a ‘turn-around’ organization for failing public schools in New Orleans.

“NOLA 180 transforms these public schools into high-functioning charter schools that prepare every student for college.

“Langston Hughes Academy is the first school to benefit.

“Students spend 50 percent more time in their classrooms.

“Parents are given teacher’s cell phone numbers so they can call for help with homework.

“And, in honor of their namesake, Langston Hughes, students receive instruction in persuasive writing, public speaking, debate and poetry.

“In its first year, Langston Hughes students outperformed the city’s public school average in reading, writing and math.

“Charles, Rebecca and John. I know they are here somewhere. Congratulations and thanks for all of your hard work.

“This is exactly the kind of social innovation and entrepreneurship we should be encouraging all across this country.

“And that is why tonight, I am pleased to announce that as part of the new Serve America Act, the Administration is creating a Social Innovation Fund to help innovative nonprofit groups and social entrepreneurs, like the ones I just mentioned, expand their successful approaches to tackling our most pressing national challenges.
“The idea is simple: find the most effective programs out there and then provide the capital needed to replicate their success in communities around the country.

“By focusing on high-impact, results-oriented non-profits, we will ensure that government dollars are spent in a way that is effective, accountable and worthy of the public trust.

“In this room of Leaders and Revolutionaries, Builders and Titans, Artists and Entertainers, Scientists and Thinkers, Heroes and Pioneers, I think we can all agree, we did not get to where we are alone.

“Our success was made possible with the encouragement of a diligent parent or teacher, a grandparent who told us we had real talent, an older sibling who paved the way and set a good example, a scholarship or grant that created an unexpected opportunity, or a neighbor or community leader who told us to dream big.

“That’s certainly been the case in my own life.

“I stand here today because of people who loved me, and pushed me and believed in me.

“I stand here today because of scholarships and grants and experiences that gave me opportunities I was afraid to dream of.

“I never imagined that, as a result of all that support, I would be in a position to be a role model for girls around the globe.

“Girls who look at me and see something more for themselves, more than society expects of them.

“Girls who now think anything is possible.

“As global leaders, let’s not underestimate the power each of us has to change the world for someone – and let us not be afraid to try.”