“Succes isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” Michelle Obama
There is something about the maturity, wisdom and grace with which Michelle Obama conducts herself that intrigues me. A number of people I’ve spoken to have casually mentioned “Oh, she should run for president next.” Now we’re talking – an African-American Woman president?! I like that idea. Maybe it is next on the table, Ms Obama is more than qualified.
Michelle Obama was born in 1964 in Chicago, Illinois. She was raised in a small bungalow in Chicago’s South Side where she shared a room with her brother Craig. Her father was a city-pump operator and her mother a secretary. According to Michelle they were a close family who played games, shared meals and read together. The two children were raised with an emphasis on education and learned to read by the age of 4. They both skipped the second grade.
As she attended school it soon became clear that Michelle was a gifted student. By the 6th grade she was taking classes in her school’s gifted program and she graduated as class salutatorian (not sure what that is, but I would guess at top of the class).
Then she went off to Princeton to get her Bacholar’s Degree in Sociology – which she did cum laude (very high marks). She went on to study law at Harvard Law School. After law school she met Barack Obama (whoop – cupid’s arrow). At first she didn’t want to date him but then she gave in and they fell in love.
After they dated for 2 years they got married and had 2 children Malia and Sasha.
In 1991, Michelle decided to leave corporate law and pursue a career in public service.
In 1993, she became executive director for the Chicago office of Public Allies, a nonprofit leadership-training program that helped young adults develop skills for future careers in the public sector.
In 1996, Michelle joined the University of Chicago as associate dean of student services, developing the school’s first community-service program.
In May 2005, Michelle was appointed vice president for community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she continued to work part-time until shortly before Barack was selected as President.
As the 44th first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama focused on things like the support of military families, helping working women balance career and family and encouraging national service. During the first year of the Obama presidency, Michelle and her husband volunteered at homeless shelters and soup kitchens in the Washington D.C. area. Michelle made appearances at public schools, stressing the importance of education and volunteer work.
Michelle is inspiring. During some of her talks and campaigns she is quoted to have said the following:
“Real men treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO.”
“When they go low, we go high.”
“Choose people who lift you up.”
“I am desperate for change – now – not in 8 years or 12 years, but right now.”
“You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.”
“Just do what works for you, because there will always be someone who thinks differently.”
Both Michelle and Barack say their family is their first priority and they try to make sure their daughters have a life which is grounded and healthy. I think, if she was to run for president in my home nation of South Africa, she would have my vote.
As you move into a new year, perhaps her story encourages you. You don’t have to have a 1000 opportunities to make an impact in the world or be a success. You don’t need to be rich. What is key is making the most of what you have, keeping the main thing the main thing and working hard. As Michelle says: “Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.”