And I think about that today because I am reminded and convinced that all of you in this school are very important parts of closing that gap.You are the women who will build the world as it should be.You‘re going to write the next chapter in history.Not just for yourselves，but for your generation and generations to come.And that’s why getting a good education is so important.That‘s why all of this that you’re going through-the ups and the downs，the teachers that you love and the teachers that you don‘t-why it’s so important.Because communities and countries and ultimately the world，are only as strong as the health of their women.And that‘s important to keep in mind.
A part of that health includes an outstanding education.The difference between a struggling family and a healthy one is often the presence of an empowered woman or women at the center of that family.The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is often the healthy respect between men and women who appreciate the contributions each other makes to society.The difference between a languishing nation and one that will flourish is the recognition that we need equal access to education for both boys and girls.
And this school，named after the U.K.’s first female doctor，and the surrounding buildings named for Mexican artist Frida Kahlo，Mary Seacole，the Jamaican nurse known as the“black Florence Nightingale”，and the English author，Emily Bronte，honor women who fought sexism，racism and ignorance，to pursue their passions to feed their own souls.They allowed for no obstacles.As the sign said back there，“without limitations”.They knew no other way to live than to follow their dreams.And having done so，these women moved many obstacles.And they opened many new doors for millions of female doctors and nurses and artists and authors，all of whom have followed them.And by getting a good education，you too can control your own destiny.
Please remember that.If you want to know the reason why I‘m standing here，it’s because of education.I never cut class.Sorry，I don‘t know if anybody is cutting class.I never did it.I loved getting’A‘s.I liked being smart.I liked being on time.I liked getting my work done.I thought being smart was cooler than anything in the world.And you too，with these same values，can control your own destiny.You too can pave the way.You too can realize your dreams，and then your job is to reach back and to help someone just like you do the same thing.History proves that it doesn’t matter whether you come from a council estate or a country estate.
Your success will be determined by your own fortitude，your own confidence，your own individual hard work.That is true.That is the reality of the world that we live in.You now have control over your own destiny.And it won‘t be easy.That’s for sure.But you have everything you need.Everything you need to succeed，you already have right here.
My husband works in this big office.They call it the Oval Office.In the White House，there‘s the desk that he sits at.It’s called the Resolute desk.It was built by the timber of Her Majesty‘s Ship Resolute and given by Queen Victoria.It’s an enduring symbol of the friendship between our two nations.And its name，Resolute，is a reminder of the strength of character that‘s required not only to lead a country，but to live a life of purpose as well.And I hope in pursuing your dreams，you all remain resolute，that you go forward without limits，and that you use your talents-because there are many.We’ve seen them.It‘s there.That you use them to create the world as it should be.Because we are counting on you.We are counting on every single one of you to be the very best that you can be.Because the world is big.And it’s full of challenges.And we need strong，smart，confident young women to stand up and take the reins.
We know you can do it.We love you.Thank you so much.
译文参考
因为教育
——米歇尔·奥巴马在伊丽莎白·加勒特·安德森女校的演讲
这是我的第一次出访。也是我以第一夫人的身份首次外事访问。你们能相信是真的吗？
虽然这是我第一次来英国，但是我还是要说我对于这次所谓的官方访问感到高兴。英美之间一直都保持着特殊的关系，不单单限于政府之间的关系，而是我们拥有相同的语言和价值观。看到你们就让我想到了这一点。访问期间我非常有幸地会见了一些英国出色的女士们。这些女士们正在为你们所有女孩子铺路。
我也对能够见到你们感到荣幸，你们这些英国和世界未来的领导者们。虽然我们的处境有很大差异，我是作为美国第一夫人的身份站在这里，而你们还在读书。我想让你们知道的是，其实我们之间还是有很多共同之处的。因为在我生命历程中从来也没有任何东西预示过我会站在这里，作为美利坚合众国的第一位非洲裔的总统夫人。
