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Hi there, When I was growing up, the classroom was one of the first places that helped me find my voice. I learned a lot in school—my multiplication tables, how to structure a paragraph—but also how to raise my hand, push myself, and speak my mind. I believe every girl on the planet deserves the same kind of opportunities for an education that I’ve had, and that’s what led us to start the Girls Opportunity Alliance—to support adolescent girls' education around the world. It’s also what brought me to Vietnam this week to meet with some of the inspiring girls and leaders who are part of our incredible community.   At Cần Giuộc high school, I had a chance to spend time with young women who are determined to get an education—often against great odds. They shared their hopes for themselves and for their families, and they shared how the support they receive from local organizations has helped them to stay in school and build a brighter future. I hope you’ll take action to support these and other organizations, so we can continue to empower girls in Vietnam—and around the world. Now, I’m off to Malaysia to join Barack for the inaugural gathering of our Foundation’s Leaders: Asia-Pacific program. There, I’ll get to spend time with some of the changemakers I met in Vietnam, along with other rising voices from the region who are tackling the issues they care about, from education to climate change to entrepreneurship. And I’ll join my friend Julia Roberts for a conversation on stage at the convening. Julia has been a passionate advocate for girls education, and I’m excited to relive our journey together to Vietnam. My conversation with Julia is just one of several we’ll be livestreaming at obama.org. Take a look at what we’ve got in store and learn more about the remarkable leaders we’re about to meet in Malaysia. The Leaders: Asia-Pacific convening marks the start of a year-long program that emphasizes the importance of leadership rooted in values and ethical decision-making. We hope that this inaugural class of 200 will form meaningful connections that far outlast any curriculum. I know they’ll play a vital role in shaping the Asia-Pacific for years to come. —Michelle   Donate to organizations empowering girls around the world: DONATE