Last night, on the 10th January 2017, Barack Obama gave his Farewell Address before the Obama’s leave the White House and Donald Trump’s inauguration takes place on the 20th January. While this last year in US politics have been a sensational, petty and uncertain time, the Obama’s have continued to rise above it with grace and confidence. In his speech, Obama reflected on the last eight years and thanked those closest to him. When it came to addressing his wife, Obama said: “You took on a role you didn’t ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humour. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You’ve made me proud. You’ve made the country proud.”
Michelle Obama never asked to be The First Lady, it was a title she was handed when her husband became the 44th President of the United States. Yet in her eight years in the White House, she has done more than anyone could have ever imagined (including getting me to pay more attention to US politics than I ever thought I would!) She has been a fierce advocate for equality; standing up for what she believes in, and speaking the truth where so many other hide it. Particularly, during recent months she has given some very powerful speeches, some where her words have moved me to tears and have caused twitter to erupt!
The honesty she beholds is admirable and refreshing, and when you take a second look, its not Michelle Obama the First Lady of the United States speaking. It’s simply Michelle; a loving wife and mother of two, pushing for the best possible country for her children to grow up in, and for young people worldwide. She has become relatable and fascinating to the world in many ways; from becoming a style icon, to a fixture on US TV. Her charisma comes across elegantly and naturally in interviews, while her fun side can be seen during late night TV; carpool karaoke with James Corden and dancing skits with Jimmy Fallon to say the least. This sense of humour shows her down to earth side and creates an appearance that is real and identifiable. She has become ‘cool’, whatever that means, and people want to be like her. Be that through their fashion choices or deciding to get involved in something they believe in, more people aspiring to be like Michelle Obama cannot be a bad thing.
Michelle Obama has dedicated herself to may causes, raising their public profiles in a subtle yet visible way, all to encourage making a difference. Her ‘Let’s Move’ initiative which began in 2010 encouraged families to be more active and start eating healthily in her attempt to combat child obesity. She’s supported military families through her initiative ‘Joining Forces’ which she created with Jill Biden in order to help veterans. Most recently her ‘Let Girls Learn’ programme has pushed to change the perception of the value of girls in developing countries, striving to achieve a better education for them. With an Ivy League education herself, she has constantly pushed the need for education, especially for girls, and is an example that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to.
Looking back over the last eight years Michelle has earned herself an immense amount of popularity and respect, with people already calling for #Michelle2020! But it isn’t just her dedication to so many causes that makes her such an amazing role model for young people. It’s the passion that she puts into everything she does, the commitment and dedication she has shown to all of her initiative, her compassion in the face of disasters and her ability to raise two daughters amongst the craziness of the White House. She has constantly encouraged people to be the best versions of themselves, whether through aspiring to higher education, or by taking more care of yourself. Just like millions of others, she has inspired me to be better; to work harder, to appreciate more and to set my sights higher, because there is nothing stopping me or anyone else for that matter.
The list of reasons why Michelle Obama is an inspiration is endless, and I could go on all day writing about how much she has achieved, but I won’t because she isn’t done yet. The world is lucky to have her as a role model, for young girls to aspire to. Whilst soon she will no longer be the First Lady, the impact that Michelle Obama has had on the world and will continue to have is not one to be underestimated.
By Niamh O’Connor
thelvecollective.wordpress.com 