“Don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”
Few, if any, of the First Ladies of the United States has had such a powerful influence on a generation as Michelle Obama has.
Born as Michelle LaVaughn Robison and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Michelle Robison was and still is a trailblazer. Determined to be successful at school, Michelle dedicated her childhood and adolescence to being a good student. Despite having a father suffering from multiple sclerosis and having to deal with gender discrimination growing up, Michelle never gave up. By 1981, Michelle graduated as Salutatorian.
After graduating High School, Michelle was accepted to Princeton University. Michelle’s drive and determination allowed her to achieve so much at University, despite the racial injustices she was faced with. She once claimed that during her college years she felt ‘like a visitor on campus.’ From majoring in Sociology and minoring in African American studies, Michelle went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.
It was here where Michelle discovered her political power. From attending demonstrations advocating the hiring of professors who were members of minorities to assisting low-income tenants with housing cases, Michelle started to become a political trailblazer. With a new-found confidence, Michelle was determined to contribute something special to the world.
After being a successful student at Harvard, Michelle worked for Sidley and Austin, a law firm in Chicago. She and her husband (Barack Obama) were among the very few black people to be part of the prestigious law firm. Some may not be aware that Michelle was actually Barack’s boss at the time.
In 2007, Michelle’s husband, Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States of America. While her speeches transfixed many, some labeled Michelle as an ‘Angry Black Woman,’ due to the passionate tone in her speeches. Rather than succumbing to the criticism, Michelle overcame this negativity and carried on campaigning with her husband.
When Michelle was inducted as First Lady of the United States, her commitment to the country grew bigger and stronger. Michelle’s ‘Let’s Move’ initiative inspired many Americans, particularly children, to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Over the eight years of the Obama administration, Michelle has become a role model for young women; she is an advocate for poverty awareness, nutrition, physical activity and healthy eating, in addition to being regarded as a fashion icon.
One moment that captured my attention was when Michelle addressed the lewd conversation between Donald Trump and Billy Bush. In her speech, Michelle implicitly condemned Trump for boasting about sexually assaulting women as well as making offensive remarks. She stated, “the fact is that in this election, we have a candidate for president of the United States who, over the course of his lifetime and the course of this campaign, has said things about women that are so shocking.”
Many Americans, including myself, regarded her speech as the most powerful, thought-provoking one of the 2016 campaign. It was during this speech, that many saw her as a concerned mother with a strong moral compass.
In regards to Trump’s lewd conversation, she also stated, “It is cruel. It is frightening. And the truth is, it hurts…..This is not normal. This is not politics as usual. This is disgraceful. It is intolerable. And it doesn’t matter what party you belong to – Democrat, Republican, Independent – no woman deserves to be treated this way. None of us deserves this kind of abuse… This isn’t about politics. It’s about basic human decency. It’s about right and wrong.”
As a young woman who has seen Michelle Obama triumph as the First Lady of the United States from 2008 to 2016, I believe she is the absolute role model for women everywhere. Her dedication and perseverance in her studies and her work are admirable, but her moral dignity is what makes her an icon. Her bravery to say what is right and wrong, no matter what the circumstances are, is outstanding.
In the wake of Trump’s victory, Michelle said to the children of America, “Don’t ever lose hope. Don’t ever feel fear. You belong here….Keep working hard, because it’s going to be so important now to be educated and focused.” In these disquieting days, Michelle continues to remain hopeful for positive change. Her aspiration for a better future is what keeps me hopeful in times of distress and despair.
As time goes on, we will see more First Ladies. They may pave their own legacy and inspire others. However, for me, it is the First Lady from Chicago’s south side who will always influence how I live my life – Michelle Obama, a woman who understands that each of us can make a difference, and that each of us matters:
“You don’t have to be somebody different to be important. You’re important in your own right.”