If you are anything like me, you get excited when women in powerful positions use their platform for good. In a tense social and political climate, like the one the world is in today, we could stand to have better role models. Over the last eight years, the duration of the Obama administration, I came to love one women who I think stands for everything a young woman should aspire to be: Michelle Obama.
Smart, beautiful and overall an amazing person, Michelle Obama is an outstanding role model to young women figuring out their place out in life. Here are 7 qualities that prove Michelle Obama to be a great idol.
1. She is passionate about health
Michelle was infamous for her “Let’s Move” campaign when she was First Lady, but something tells me that wasn’t just a front. Michelle is 54 years old and she is incredibly fit. In college, you can sometimes lose interest in working out, or simply can’t find the time. Michelle and her health consciousness is an inspiration to the stressed or bored college girl.
2. Michelle stands up for what she believes in and doesn’t back down
During her speech at the 2016 DNC conference, Michelle’s “When they go low, we go high” motto was an instant hit. She has no time for bullies or haters, and neither should you. What a great reminder for young women; when you believe in something, stand up for it and take the high road.
3. She loves Barack just like any wife loves her husband
I love seeing famous couples actually look in love. There are a lot of things that may not be genuine about politics, but this is as true as love can be. In college, it can kind of feel the same way. Everything and everyone can seem fake at some point but I love that Michelle (and Barack) display love and loyalty through everything sent their way.
4. She is real about being black in America
In this commencement speech she made, Michelle speaks truth on the reality of still-standing racial bias in America. February, Black History Month, is a perfect time to remember all the times Mrs. Obama has preached that she is black and she is proud. Even as a young white women, I can appreciate her boldness and proudness of who she is. No matter who you are or what you look like, that is something we can all learn.
5. She loves Beyonce — just as much as you do
What I love the most about Michelle is how down-to-earth she appears. There’s not a doubt in my mind that if I ever met her, she wouldn’t treat me the way she seems in front of the cameras. Any powerful women who can still respect my girl Beyonce, is A-okay with me.
6. Michelle is stylish (and not afraid to change things up)
What I love a lot about Michelle is that not only is she intelligent and fun but she is really stylish. She can rock the middle part, loves some classic bangs, and her outfits? My girl is constantly poppin’. If anything, looking at Michelle’s personal style makes me want to make a run to the nearest Ann Taylor and grab some business casual clothes.
7. She really loves her job and the people she’s met
Something I admire a lot about Michelle Obama is that she loves the people and friends she has met in life. Even when she was serving as First Lady, she loved the American population as if she knew them by name. In college, relationships (romantic or not) are hard to keep up. Michelle is the perfect role model of “meet someone like you’re going to know them to rest of your life.”