January 9, 2020
Michelle Obama Launches IGTV Series About College Students: ‘A Year of Firsts’
While some would relax after eight long years in the White House, rest is something Michelle Obama isn’t doing just yet. The former first lady will be launching an Instagram video series that will premiere later this month.
Obama and her initiative Reach Higher have partnered with ATTN: on a new IGTV series, “A Year of Firsts.” The series aims to empower and inspire freshman college students across the country. Each episode will spotlight the journeys of the students as they embark on their quest for higher education. “A Year of Firsts” continues the tradition that Obama started as first lady of uplifting and inspiring young people and supporting their educational potential.
“As a first-generation college student myself, I know how intimidating it can be to take that leap and pursue your educational dreams,” Obama said in a statement. “That’s why I’m so proud of these students. By sharing their stories, they’re helping others see that the ups and downs of the first year of college are something everyone goes through—and they’re creating a supportive community for others facing similar challenges.”
“A Year of Firsts” is produced by ATTN: in partnership with Reach Higher. ATTN: is working with the students directly to document their first year as they explore issues like the academic stress of attending college, making new friends, college affordability, and the physical and mental health challenges they encounter while in college. Episode one of “A Year of Firsts” will premiere exclusively on IGTV in mid-January. Over six episodes, the series will chronicle the students’ first year in college and conclude with the last episode in June 2020.
Obama announced the series on her Instagram page: “The first year of college is exciting, but also a little nerve-racking. As a first-generation college student myself, I know how intimidating it can be to try to navigate through a new place and make new friends, all while trying to figure out who you are and who you want to be. That’s why I’m so excited that @reachhigher is teaming up with @attndotcom to share the stories of four first-year college students: Robert, Linette, Regan, and Haseeb. Can’t wait for you all to meet them and learn more about what taking that leap really feels like, day in and day out. Stay tuned!”
“As Mrs. Obama highlights in each episode, there are many hidden challenges to making it through college,” said ATTN: co-founder, Matthew Segal. “This series will meet many students where they live—on Instagram—and share candid perspectives about how to overcome barriers. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Mrs. Obama and Reach Higher to engage and inspire students to invest in themselves through higher education.”