Former first lady Michelle Obama spoke in front of a sellout crowd at the American Airlines Center Monday night as part of a tour to promote her memoir, "Becoming."
Obama pulled off a big surprise for area high schoolers earlier in the day, surprising 150 students from across North Texas during the first annual Young Women's Leadership Conference in Dallas.
A small group of young women were in a workshop discussing Obama's memoir when she walked out to greet the students.
Stunned, it took a few seconds for the group to realize it was Michelle Obama.
One by one, the girls stood and gave Obama a hug, many with tears in their eyes.
"When I gave Michelle a hug I just felt all this love and her need to just like help," 17-year-old Brittany Clay of Fort Worth said.
"Everything she went through, it wasn't for herself. It was for kids like me that are dealing with struggles," Clay said. "To make us understand and acknowledge that we can be who we want to be."
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Obama spoke candidly with the young women about overcoming self-doubt and criticism throughout her life.
"Do you take in the negative or do you remember all the positives?" Obama asked.
The former first lady encouraged the students to find a college that fits their individual needs and encouraged them to travel and meet those who are different.
"I just want you guys to not be afraid to try something new and connect with other people," she said.
Obama's book tour began Nov. 13 in Chicago and was extended to include 2019 dates in Canada and Europe. She is scheduled to speak in Austin Feb. 28 and in Houston March 2.
As of last week, "Becoming" had been purchased more times than any other book in 2018, according to Forbes. The Associated Press reported that "Becoming" is "among the fastest-selling nonfiction books in history" and is "among the best-selling political memoirs of all time."
