KEENE, N.H. -- Michelle Obama campaigned on her husband's behalf in New Hampshire on Wednesday, urging students at Keene State College to vote in this historic election.

Obama told the students that they can make a difference and noted that often, young people register to vote but don't actually go to the polls.

"New Hampshire is in a position to turn the tables," she said. "Students are in a position to have the kind of impact they've never had before."

She talked about growing up in a working-class family and said both she and Sen. Barack Obama understand the importance of going to college but realize it can be tough to get there.

"When you're a kid that doesn't have wealth and resources, going to college means you take out loans," she said. "I know folks here at Keene State know what that feels like. A little loan debt? We were in that same position."

Students said that her speech resonated with them.

"I love Michelle Obama," said student Aleah Hart. "I frankly am so excited about the whole campaign. I've never been this energized about it before."

"More than anything, they really do understand what it is like for young people like us in America," said graduate Clayton Norwood.

The rally got students looking forward to November. A group of students marched to City Hall after the event to register to voter.

"I believe there is something going on here that has never happened before," Norwood said.

Michelle Obama also mentioned last Tuesday night's second presidential debate, calling her husband outstanding and saying that his calm, connected and respectful demeanor will follow him to the White House.

Recent polls show Barack Obama pulling into the lead over Republican Sen. John McCain in New Hampshire, but the race remains tight.