Michelle Obama Tells High School Students She is Their 'Forever First Lady' The former First Lady made the statement to more than 8,000 high school seniors at the 2018 College Signing Day event in Philadelphia. Michelle Obama Obama started the College Signing Day event in 2014, and this is the fifth time she’s had the honor of speaking to prospective college students. Her advice to students who will be the first in their families to pursue higher education? Michelle Obama