GREENSBORO, N.C., May 12 (UPI) -- First lady Michelle Obama challenged graduating seniors at North Carolina A&T University Saturday to look beyond financial success as they go forward.
Obama told the graduates how she gave up a big-paying job with a law firm to go into public service and found more meaning in her life.
"The first question I asked myself was, 'Who do I want to be?' Not what do I want to be, but who," she said.
She said while it's easy to think of oneself in terms of the job one does, and "a meaningful, fulfilling career ... can be the cornerstone of a happy life," it is "merely what you do."
"So as you all are thinking about your careers, I want you to think about what's important to you," she said. "How does your job fit into a full life -- a complete life? How are you going to give back?"
"It is critical that you start thinking about these things now, and keep coming back to them. Because I'm going to warn you -- those daily to-do lists that will creep up on you, those deadlines at work, the pressure to keep climbing and achieving and acquiring -- trust me, all of that adds up. It forms a powerful current. And if you're not focused on who you want to be and how you want to live your life, trust me, it will sweep you away."
