When we come into this world we know absolutely nothing. We learn the ways of the world by emulating the actions of the people around us. From a very young age itself, we say that we want to grow up to be like our siblings, parents or teachers. While growing up we come across a lot of people either personally or through the media, we get fascinated by them and emulate their personality traits. We may be influenced by the right or wrong people and that influence has a major impact on our thought process followed by our actions. History shows that there have been a number of charismatic personalities that have shaped the mindset of the youth, thereby leaving a mark as role models. Michelle Obama is one such woman.
There had been posts and memes all over social media when the former president of the United States, Barack Obama was moving on after the completion of his term, we not only had praises about him but also his wife. The former First Lady, Michelle Obama has been an inspiring role model for women all over the world, including Priyanka Chopra, brand ambassador of UNESCO.
Michelle Obama, without having a defined job profile took upon herself to take advantage of her position and bring about a much-needed positive social change in the world.
Ever since Barack Obama was inaugurated President of the United States in 2008, his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, has inspired and stunned the nation with her intellect, class, and empathetic nature. Besides being a strong, successful and independent woman, Michelle proved herself to be very caring and supportive. She expressed it through her parenting of two beautiful teenage daughters, Malia and Sasha, and her continual encouragement of her husband.
During her time as First Lady, Michelle Obama has kick-started many programs to advocate for healthy families, service members and their families, higher education, and international adolescent girls’ education. Some examples of these programs are 'Let’s Move! Campaign' in 2010, which aimed to tackle childhood obesity, the 2011 'Joining Forces Campaign' which advocated the support of American veterans and service members. In 2014 there was 'Reach Higher Campaign' which encouraged post-secondary education, and in 2015, 'Let Girls Learn Campaign' which encouraged girls all over the world to both stay in school and continue to further their education.
Besides being a strong, successful and an independent woman, Michelle proved herself to be very caring and supportive.
Not only is Michelle extremely passionate about advocating these issues, she also makes a point to practice what she preaches. In order to reach out and connect with the youth, she featured in a very popular talk show. She has been part of music videos where she promoted the importance of education.
We all are hung on each and every word when we hear her speak. She has given us innumerable quotes to live by.
“There is no limit as to what we, as women, can accomplish in politics or any other field.”
Brilliant, fierce, bold and the most self-assured woman we all know, she’s a force to reckon with. Never failing to motivate anyone with her words, she is a supporter of gender equality. Having faced gender discrimination as a child, she has never left any stone unturned to remove the stereotypes.
“I never cut class. I loved getting A’s, I liked being smart. I liked being on time. I thought being smart is cooler than anything in the world.”
Her hard work and determination to never give up are extremely inspiring and motivating. She’s a woman not only of elegant poise, but also of a brilliant brain and a smart attitude. Here’s something we all must learn from her, education and confidence are the two most important things in life. Everything else is secondary.
“Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.”
When she started her graduate studies at Princeton, she faced all kinds of discrimination, racial and gender. Nothing stopped her from becoming who she wanted to be. Even during her studies at Harvard, she consistently fought for the rights of minorities and still works for equality.
“Together, we can help make sure that every family that walks into a restaurant can make an easy, healthy choice.”
Since Eleanor Roosevelt, she’s the first ‘First Lady’ of the US to plant organic kitchen gardens at the White House. An avid fighter of growing obesity she has taken the first step to cure it at the White House. She’s someone who knows that in order to change the society; first, the change has to be brought in oneself.
“My first job, in all honesty, is going to continue to be mom-in-chief. Making sure that in this transition, which will be even more of a transition for the girls… that they are settled and that they know they will continue to be the centre of our universe.”
Amidst all her responsibilities and work commitments, she has made sure that she pays due attention to her daughters and has raised two strong, confident ladies like herself. She sets a perfect example of how much a woman can single-handedly contribute to the society.
“There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.”
When it comes to fighting for equal rights, she’s made sure to fight for the rights of the LGBT community. She believes that in a State where equality is propagated, discrimination against same-sex couples and transgender isn’t just right.
A combination of beauty and brains, she never fails to inspire or motivate me. She’s a role model to millions. And that’s the kind of society we all want to build, where bold women are appreciated and encouraged.
Arshia Taqi, part of Safecity’s Writer’s Movement, is a third-year law student at Pravin Gandhi College of Law, Mumbai. She is also a trained yoga teacher.
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