Barack Obama's wife, Michelle visited Oxford University today and was reunited with a group of girls from the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, 2 years after her previous emotional and heartfelt visit to the North London girls’ school.

Mrs Obama visited the school back in 2009, where more than 90% of the pupils are from an ethnic minority background. In her address Mrs Obama described the girls as "brilliant young women" and told them that she was "thrilled to be back" in front of them. In her last meeting with the pupils she told them that "being smart is cooler than anything in the world". She related personally to their lives having grown up in an equally difficult neighbourhood on the South Side of Chicago.

The visit was designed to inspire the girls to continue their studies on into further education. Mrs Obama actively encouraged a day of tours for the 37 young women around the prestigious university, followed by career discussions and mentoring sessions.

The First Lady explained how she had to struggle to convince people that she could succeed, "Well-meaning but misguided people questioned whether someone with my background could succeed at an elite university.”

“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 inspired the girls by encouraging them not to allow anything to stand in their way of academic success. “Yes you can!” was the rallying cry.