Melania Trump, speaking to middle and high school students and their parents on Sunday night in Tysons Corner, Virginia, emphasized positive character traits for a better life — in a speech that is still making waves.
“Kindness, compassion, and positivity are very important traits in life,” she said, speaking at the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) annual conference.
SADD, a national nonprofit headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, aims to empower young people to successfully confront the risks and pressures in their daily lives, according to its website.
The first lady offered practical and timeless advice to the youth gathered at the event.
“It is far easier to say nothing than it is to speak words of kindness,” she said. “It is easier to judge quickly than to take time to understand. It is often easier to see a glass half-empty than half-full.”
She added, “You have the power to be the positive force in so many people’s lives. Show respect to each other. Treat your community like your family, and look out for one another.”
Related: First Lady Melania Trump Visits Child Detention Center in McAllen, Texas
Melania Trump’s words fall in line with her “Be Best” platform, introduced last month. The initiative outlined three main areas of focus: health and well-being, kindness and safety online, and addressing the effects of the opioid crisis on children.
From the opioid crisis to social media use, the #BeBest campaign’s values align strongly with ours. It was an honor to host @FLOTUS at the 2018 SADD National Conference! #SADD18 https://t.co/ZDuvJzzdSn
— SADD Nation (@SADDnation) June 25, 2018
Deirdre Reilly is a senior editor with LifeZette. Follow her on Twitter.
(photo credit, homepage and article: AP/YouTube)
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