Both are things you have no control over, but have to figure out how to navigate. So you allow the lack of not being able to conform to shape your personal view of self, struggling with body image and needing to look a certain way.
Having your abilities doubted, talked down, and written off at every other turn. And yet, this world causes you to doubt the essence of who you are every day. Not even the most perfect preparation can protect you from the horrors of racism. My mother taught me this lesson early on, and she made sure that I respected her as my mom and an elder, and that I valued her opinions, even though I used to fight her so much.
And every time she did, it worked out for my good. She put her foot down. Once again, she was right. I worked hard for this award and deserved it, and she knew if they were my true friends, they would want me to soar and not hold me back. In hindsight, I owe so many of my greatest decisions to my mom. In fact, it was my mother who was the driving force behind my decision to accept the job as Mrs.
Given that it had taken three years to find a sound job with good pay, I was hesitant to give up that position—especially given that the Obamas only had two years left in their administration. But as always, my mom stepped in right on time, reassuring me that she was my safety net, and reminding me that I should refuse to let instability interfere with being able to dream.
A decade later, I know exactly where that award is. In my closets, I have soccer trophies, honor roll certificates, pageant sashes, countless yearbooks and concert ticket stubs, and more lanyards that I can count. I refuse to throw away little objects, convinced that my future kids will need them to take to show-and-tell at school one day. I also hold on to these things because I want my children to look back with pride at who I was and what I have done in life.
These little scraps add up to something bigger. To this day, I carry my bag with pride. I learned that from my mom, in the White House, and through following Mrs. Obama into her new chapter. And now, so many more generations will be born understanding that, too. For more stories like this, sign up for our newsletter.
Joining Forces works hand in hand with the public and private sector to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families have the tools they need to succeed throughout their lives. Obama launched the Reach Higher Initiative, an effort to inspire young people across America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university.
Reach Higher aims to ensure that all students understand what they need to complete their education by working to expose students to college and career opportunities; helping them understand financial aid eligibility; encouraging academic planning and summer learning opportunities; and supporting high school counselors who do essential work to help students get into college.
As part of this effort, Mrs. Obama is calling on countries across the globe to help educate and empower young women, and she is sharing the stories and struggles of these young women with young people here at home to inspire them to commit to their own education.
As First Lady, Mrs. Obama looks forward to continuing her work on the issues close to her heart — supporting military families, helping children lead healthier lives, and encouraging all our young people to fulfill their boundless promise.
First Lady Michelle Obama. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Click here, for more. Facebook Twitter Email. Fact check: Viral comparison of Obamas, Trumps on charity and staffing is not all true. Show Caption. Hide Caption. DNC Pres. Obama calls on all Americans to vote in DNC speech. Share your feedback to help improve our site!
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