Pearl Schulson has been a teacher, a principal, a parent, a grandparent, and just celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary. Before all that, though, she was a student at the City College of New York, where Mrs. Obama will give her final commencement address as First Lady on Friday, June 3rd.

When Pearl heard that Mrs. Obama would be speaking at her alma mater, she wrote a letter to the White House to share her remarkable story.

April 11, 2016 Dear Mrs. Obama, I was delighted to read the paper this morning to see you will be speaking at my alma mater, City College. As a first generation American and first college graduate of my family, I was pleased to hear you will address the issue of immigration. My parents came to this country in 1921. They could not read or write English but they knew that education was important. I grew up studying spelling words on my own and writing letters for my parents. Borrowing books from the public library was my favorite activity.

As not only a first-generation college student but also a first-generation American, Pearl is a testament to all that can be achieved through higher education. Grit, determination, and a desire to learn fueled Pearl as she attained multiple degrees from City College. And throughout her career, Pearl always lead by example, lifting up her students and inspiring them to always reach higher.

I was fortunate to be accepted to City College. We were poor and could never have afforded to go anywhere else. I became a teacher in the New York City Public schools and continued my education at City College. I also received a Masters and post graduates degree from there. Another bonus was meeting my wonderful husband who was also first generation at City College. We just celebrated our 50th anniversary.

Pearl Schulson and her husband on their wedding day fifty years ago.

Hard work and determination was the key. I would like to believe I motivated these youngsters to follow their dreams.

Read Pearl’s letter and follow along with the First Lady’s address to City College by watching live at www.ccny.cuny.edu and with @FLOTUS on Twitter and @MichelleObama on Instagram.

To share your own story with Mrs. Obama, address your letters to The First Lady, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20502, or send her an email at whitehouse.gov/contact.