Michelle Obama tells Muslim schoolgirls that education will give them everything they need

US first lady tells London schoolgirls she knows how frustrating, painful it can be to not be seen beyond attire

US first lady Michelle Obama earlier this week had a motivational message for Muslims schoolgirls.

“Maybe you read the news and hear what folks are saying about your religion,” the first lady told students at the Mulberry School for Girls. “And you wonder if anyone ever sees beyond your headscarf to see who you really are, instead of being blinded by the fears and misperceptions in their own minds. And I know how painful and how frustrating all of that can be.”

Read: Michelle Obama in London to promote global education drive for girls

The first lady was visiting the school in the east London neighbourhood of Tower Hamlets, which has the highest proportion of Muslims than any other area in the UK, to promote her charity campaign Let Girls Learn.

“But here’s the thing,” the first lady continued, “with an education from this amazing school, you all have everything, everything, you need to rise above all of the noise and fulfil every last one of your dreams.”

Read: Michelle Obama puts on her dancing shoes on TV

“I see a room full of business leaders and surgeons and barristers,” the first lady said. “I see women who are going to win elections, and science competitions and arts awards. I see leaders who will inspire folks, not just here in Tower Hamlets but all across the country and all around the world.”

This story first appeared on The Huffington Post.