"Don't be afraid, be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered."

Michelle Obama has given her final address as First Lady of the United States.

Ms Obama addressed the public at the 2017 School Counsellor of the Year event held at the White House on Friday.

The First Lady began her address by summarising the success of the academic initiatives that herself and her husband President of the United States Barack Obama launched to strengthen the American education system.

“Our administration saw the largest investment in higher education since the GI bill,” Ms Obama said. “The high school graduation rate is at a record high.”

The 52-year-old thanked school counsellors for their role in supporting students and believing in them “when they can’t believe in themselves”.

“These men and women show [that] those kids matter, that they have something to offer no matter where they’re from, no matter how much money their parents have, no matter what they look like or who they love or how they worship or what language they speak at home they have a place in this country,” she said.

“And as end my time in the White House I can think of no better message to send our young people in my last official address as first lady.”

“So for all the young people in this room and those who are watching, know that this country belongs to you. To all of you. From every background and walk of life. If you or your parents are immigrants, know that you are part of a proud American tradition. The infusion of new cultures, talents and ideas generation after generation, that has made us the greatest country on earth.”

Ms Obama also emphasised that young people should not let financial difficulties hold them back.

“If your family doesn’t have much money, I want you to remember that in this country, plenty of folks, including me and my husband started out with very little, but a lot of hard work and a good education, anything is possible including becoming president.

“And that is what the American dream is all about. And if you are a person of faith know that religious diversity is a great American tradition too.

“Our glorious diversity, our diversities of faiths and colours and creeds – that is not a threat to who we are, it makes us who we are,” she said.

"Do not ever let anyone make you feel like you don't matter, or like you don't have a place in our American story. Because, you do. And you have a right to be exactly who you are."

Ms Obama stressed that "something better is always possible if you are willing to work for it and fight for it."

To conclude her speech, the First Lady's final message was "simple."

"I want our young people to know that they matter. They belong. So don't be afraid.

You hear me? Young people, don't be afraid, be focused.

Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.

Empower yourselves with a good education then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise.

Lead by example with hope - never fear - and know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life."

"Being your first lady has been the greatest honour of my life and I hope I've made you proud," she said.

You have, Ms Obama. You really, truly, have.

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