Michelle Obama is mostly known as the Former First Lady of the United States. She made history as the First African American woman to hold the title. She served as First Lady during her husband Barack Obama’s historic presidency — he was sworn in as the first-ever Black president of the United States — from 2009 to 2017. They share two daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama. However, her time as a public figure has proven she is more than her job titles but an inspiration to many.

Michelle Obama’s First Lady Initiatives & Beyond

As Michelle served as First Lady, she initiated Let’s Move!, one of the larger programs she initiated. “Elected officials, business leaders, educators, parents, and faith leaders worked together to provide more nutritious food in schools, bring healthy and affordable food into underserved communities, plant vegetable gardens across America, and provide new opportunities for kids to be more active,” the official White House government website states.  The program started on the South Lawn of the White House. Fruits and vegetables were later harvested and served at the White House and donated to organizations in need.

In President Obama’s secord term, she advocated for higher education “She encouraged young people to continue their education past high school in technical schools and community colleges as well as at colleges and universities,” the offical White House government website reads. This program was called Reach Higher Initiative.

Currently, Michelle has an organization called The Girls Opportunity Alliance through The Obama Foundation. It “seeks to empower adolescent girls around the world through education, allowing them to achieve their full potential,” according to the site.

The Release Of Becoming

Michelle released Becoming, her first memoir, in 2018. It won a Grammy for the audio version (narrated by herself) and is a New York Times #1 Best Seller. The book informs readers of the former First Lady’s humble beginnings in the South Side of Chicago, her time in the White House, and most importantly finding her voice and utilizing it for change. Take a look below at seven inspirational quotes from Becoming. The book is available online and at book retailers nationwide.

• 1. “At fifty-four, I am still in progress, and I hope that I always will be.”

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  No matter what age you are, limiting yourself should never be an option. Your next big move, life change, or even a habit you're trying to withstand is just around the corner. It's humbling to know that Michelle Obama, who has been an inspiration to many, is not letting turning another year older withhold her from going after even more success.

• 2. “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.”

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  Everyone's life circumstances lead you to where you are now, where you've been, and where you're going. No one can take your story away from you and there is power in that sentiment. Michelle Obama's quote solidifies what many of us have known all along.

• 3. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s the power of using your voice.”

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  Just like your own story, your voice also has power. Your voice can not only help others but also yourself. Michelle Obama's career has been championing for change, and utilizing your voice is a large part of her success.
• 4. “Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you. We realized that being successful isn’t about being impressive; it’s about being inspired. That’s what it means to be true to yourself.”

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  Success is different for everyone. Normally, a monetary value is put on success but that is not the case for everyone. As Michelle Obama breaks down in this quote, inspiration is the root of success and maintaining your core values.

• 5. “Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility. Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn’t.”

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  Being a risk taker has its benefits. Accompanying Barack Obama into his first and second terms was not easy, as Michelle Obama has expressed over the years. However, without both of them taking risks we wouldn't have the first Black President of the United States and First Lady.

• 6. “When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.”

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  Being the first is not easy and the Obamas are the prime example of that. However, if we know anything about Michelle, we know that she practices what she preaches. Over the course of her career, she has continuously given back through Girls Alliance which helps young girls around the world with education.
• 7. “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once. But 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.”

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  This quote embodies a lot of themes that Michelle mentions in Becoming such as success, using your voice, resilience, and courage. Being uncomfortable is usually a sign of growth as you embark on uncharted territory. Michelle is this quote personified.

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