US First Lady Michelle Obama has told of her worries that she would not fit in at university because she did not come from a privileged background.
On a visit to Christ Church college at Oxford University, Mrs Obama said "well-meaning but misguided" people had questioned her ability to succeed in higher education.
She made the comments as she addressed almost 40 pupils from north London's all-girl Elizabeth Garrett Anderson secondary school this afternoon.
"I remember back at a young age trying to decide what schools to apply to and how well-meaning but misguided people questioned whether someone with my background could succeed at an elite university," she said.
"When I was accepted I had all kinds of worries and doubts. I wouldn't be as well-prepared as students from privileged families and I wouldn't fit in. But after a few months away from home I realised I was just as capable and I had just as much to offer (as) any of my classmates."
Mrs Obama, who grew up in the south side of Chicago, attended state schools in the city. She went on to do sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University.
Drawing on her experiences, Mrs Obama told the girls: "We passionately believe that you have the talent within you. You have the drive, the experience to succeed at Oxford and universities just like it across the country and the world."
The pupils were told they had already overcome challenges and hardships in their lives and that from these experiences they have learnt strength, courage and maturity.
Mrs Obama went on: "I realised if I worked hard enough, I could do just as well as anyone."
Success is not determined by background but confidence and effort, she insisted.
"You have to work hard. You have to push yourself."
Arriving at the university this afternoon, Mrs Obama said she was "thrilled to be back", as she was warmly welcomed by the school pupils and university staff in the college dining room.
Mrs Obama first met Elizabeth Garrett Anderson pupils two years ago when she paid them a surprise visit during a trip to London with President Obama.
Today she greeted them like old friends, saying: "How are you doing? It's good to see you again."
In a nod to Harry Potter - the dining room was used as the set for the Grand Hall at Hogwarts in the films - the schoolgirls sat at two long tables to listen to Mrs Obama speak.
They got to ask her questions on everything from living in the White House to when the US will get its first female president. Mrs Obama was also asked how different it was to raise her daughters in the White House.
She joked that more cameras were around but added that her feelings about being a mother had not changed.
"The most important thing to me is raising strong women and raising my daughters well, probably because that's what my mother did for me."
She added: "The same things I tell my girls are the things I tell you: Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to take risks.
Ask questions. Ask stupid questions. Don't be afraid to trip, fall and don't be afraid to get back up."
Mrs Obama said both she and Mr Obama are protective of their daughters Sasha and Malia but push them, just as they would at any other time.
She said she believes the US is ready for a female president, saying: "So now the challenge is our preparation as women and our desire and willingness to step up and grab that ring."
She added: "Hillary Clinton is a fabulous leader. My husband had a formidable opponent in her in the primaries.
She is a phenomenal secretary of state.
We have examples of outstanding leadership in women like her all over the world.
At the end of the hour-long visit, Mrs Obama gave each of the girls a hug.
Speaking after the event, 15-year-old Elizabeth Garrett Anderson pupil Gabriele Watts said: "It was amazing. She can relate to us because she's got children around the same age as us, and she comes from a similar background to us."
Sobren Amin, 14, said: "She's such a great inspiration. She represents that you can actually achieve what you want."
Afia Headley, 12, said: "She teaches you that you can achieve anything, you just have to believe in yourself and you can achieve your goals."
The 37 girls were picked for today's event because they are interested in science but are apparently not reaching their potential.
The meeting with Mrs Obama marked the end of a day of activities at the university for the pupils, which included campus tours, career discussions and mentoring sessions.
The trip was arranged at Mrs Obama's suggestion and was designed to teach the girls about university and to encourage them to think about studying for a degree.
Since visiting the secondary school in 2009, Mrs Obama has kept in touch with them, writing letters and encouraging the girls in their studies.
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