If there is one thing I can claim undoubtedly, it’s my love for Michelle Obama. She stands as a First Lady unlike any other for many reasons. She is a role model, a fashion muse and a powerful speaker who’s persuasive rhetoric skills and ability to win over crowds earned her the nickname “the Closer” during her husband’s 2008 presidential campaign.
Over the last eight years, Michelle Obama has achieved a lot during her tenure of The White House and such achievements have ensured that she has carved out a legacy for herself that is independent from her husband’s. As her time as First Lady draws to a close, we want to take a look back at some of the key things we need to know and remember about Michelle Obama.
She’s been a Vogue cover star three times
Michelle Obama is no stranger to being on the cover of Vogue. During her time as First Lady, she has appeared in the magazine three times and Vogue’s December issue marks the third time Mrs. Obama will grace its cover.
She holds two Ivy League degrees
Her track record in education is impressive, to say the least. At a young age, she skipped second grade and entered a gifted program in 6th grade. Later she attended Princeton University and focused her undergraduate degree in Sociology and African-American studies. She then went on to study law at Harvard Law School, making her one of only four first ladies to hold a post-graduate degree.
She left corporate law for the public sector
Michelle Obama initially worked as a lawyer for Sidley Austin LLP, but in 1993 she left her job and went on to found the national service program Public Allies Chicago. The program provided training to young people pursuing careers in the public sector, and speaking of the program in 2009 she said: “There are few things more rewarding than watching young people recognize they have the power to enrich not only their own lives, but the lives of those around them as well”.
She launched the Reach Higher Initiative
In an effort to inspire students to take control of their futures by completing their education past high school, Michelle launched the Reach Higher Initiative in 2014. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need in order to understand their options after high school, and with the widespread topics that are addressed, we can see exactly how the initiative works to inspire.
She launched Let Girls Learn with her husband
In March 2015, President Obama and Michelle Obama joined forces to launch Let Girls Learn, a United States government initiative to help adolescent girls around the world get an education. The inspirational program addresses the many challenges that young girls face in attaining a good education, and provides a solution for the empowerment of girls.
For their first date, Barack took Michelle to the Art Institute of Chicago
They had lunch, went for a walk and then saw a movie. Michelle said: “He showed all the sides – he was hip, cutting edge, cultural, sensitive. The fountain – nice touch. The walk – patient. While Barack, smiling at the camera, quipped: “Art. Guys out there, it impresses people.”
When giving advice to women on dating and relationships, Michelle has said: “Look at how the guy treats his mother and what he says about women and how he acts with children that he doesn’t know and more important how does he treat you? When you’re dating a man you should always feel good you should never be in a relationship with a man who doesn’t make you completely happy and make you feel whole. Find that person that brings you complete an utter joy.”
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