Becoming - Book Summary

Unravel the enthralling journey of a woman's rise from the streets of Chicago's South Side to the corridors of the White House.

Picture this: It's April 1, 2009. We're in London — the heart of Britain — and more precisely, at the majestic Buckingham Palace.

This is a milestone day for Michelle and Barack Obama. Barack had just been inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States in January, and now, they are both gracing the reception of the influential G20 summit. They're relatively fresh faces in the global arena. And here’s Michelle, a humble girl from the South Side of Chicago, amidst a flurry of world leaders — from Angela Merkel to Nicolas Sarkozy. The sense of excitement is tinged with uncertainty about her actions in this novel, almost surreal environment.

As the reception approaches its close, Queen Elizabeth II herself materializes to Michelle's right. The evening has been marked by courteous chitchats and rigid adherence to formal protocols. Hence, the air feels notably lighter when the Queen remarks about Michelle’s footwear, “Well, those shoes are rather unpleasant, are they not?” They both commiserate over their aching feet — sharing a moment of genuine laughter. In a spontaneous gesture — reflective of a newfound camaraderie — Michelle reaches out, placing her hand on the Queen's back, just as she would have done with anyone she felt a connection with.

Little did she know that her actions were a stark violation of the Royal protocols — a revelation that the tabloid media made sure she, and the world, was acutely aware of. The uproar in the press was overwhelming — accusations flew left, right and center. How dare she lay hands on the Queen! Yet, instead of wilting under the criticism, Michelle remained resolute, standing by her intuitive act. It might not have been protocol-appropriate, but it was undeniably human. And perhaps the most heartening part — the Queen reciprocated the gesture, placing her gloved hand on Michelle's back.

This episode offers us a glimpse into Michelle Obama’s personality — a blend of strength and warmth, a woman determined to do the right thing, yet unafraid of forging authentic connections. Yes, she's been a subject of controversies. But, through these narratives, we'll delve deeper into her life's journey, and the experiences that have shaped the woman she is today.

The sound of ambition: A young girl's aspiration in the world of music.

In the mind of a young Michelle Obama, the muffled notes of a piano held a special meaning — they were the echoes of ambition. The source was the room beneath her, where her great-aunt Robbie passionately taught piano to a motley group of learners. Their amateur plunking, filled with heartfelt earnestness, resonated in Michelle's ears and ignited her aspirations. At the tender age of four, she was certain — she, too, wanted to master the piano.

This was the tail end of the tumultuous sixties in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago. Political upheaval and social discord swirled outside her home, but Michelle, being too young, remained unswayed by the world's complexities. Her universe revolved around her close-knit family — her brother Craig, who was two years older; her father, a dedicated worker at a water filtration plant and an ardent fan of the Chicago Cubs; and her mother, whose nimble fingers spun magic with a sewing needle and who was actively engaged in community fundraising activities.

Music, for them, was a harmonious thread that tied the family together. Their home resonated with the soulful tunes of jazz records played by Michelle's father. Her grandfather's house, every corner of which was equipped with speakers, throbbed with the symphony of voices and horns — the legendary tunes of Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Miles Davis. It was her grandfather, affectionately called "Southside" by all, who gifted Michelle her first record: Stevie Wonder's iconic album, 'Talking Book'.

But creating music — learning to play it — was a different challenge altogether. Robbie, with her stern demeanor, unwavering posture, and reading glasses that always hung around her neck as an impending sign of scrutiny, was far from easygoing. Her reprimands echoed frequently in the teaching room. Yet, young Michelle was undeterred, fueled by a strong desire to earn her approval.

Every piano student knows that one of the earliest lessons involves finding the 'middle C' — a central point in the musical landscape that guides the placement of your hands on the keys. But when you're a mere four-year-old dwarfed by the sea of 88 keys in front of you, this is a monumental task. Luckily, on Robbie’s piano, the 'middle C' was a distinctive chipped key — a guidepost amidst an intimidating expanse.

Michelle, driven by her innate keenness, made speedy progress. However, this haste didn't sit well with Robbie, especially when Michelle started jumping ahead to advanced pieces in the playbook. Robbie, far from being impressed, was irked and insisted that Michelle stick to the rules and take it slow and steady.

Then came the time for Michelle's first major recital. Robbie showcased her students annually at the music hall of Roosevelt University. With her hair tied into cute pigtails and dressed in an adorable outfit, Michelle was all set to make her mark. But as she settled at the grand piano, the world seemed to freeze around her — the key with the chipped 'middle C' was missing. How would she start now?

Just as panic threatened to consume her, Robbie stepped in like a guardian angel. She calmly walked onto the stage, reached over her shoulder, and pointed. The show could go on. Michelle had found her starting point.

The birth of determination: How striving shapes one's future.

Michelle Obama's upbringing was marked by the indomitable spirit of striving — striving to maximize what they had and provide their children with opportunities that they themselves never had. Even in her elementary school years, Michelle was infused with this spirit, constantly striving to excel. But in the midst of her situation, her brilliance sometimes struggled to shine through.

Take, for example, the time when Michelle was in second grade. Her class was a wild hub of chaotic kids, presided over by a teacher who seemed helplessly unable to rein in the madness. Fortunately, when Michelle confided her woes about the class, her mother lent her an attentive ear. Taking the matter into her hands, she had Michelle tested and transferred to a third-grade class that housed high-achievers with a fondness for learning.

This course-altering intervention by her mother makes Michelle ponder — what if her mom hadn’t stepped in? What course would her life have taken? Given that she continued her academic achievements, eventually securing a seat at the Whitney M. Young High School — an institution known for its equal opportunity ethos and innovative teaching — her mom's intervention had set a path for success.

However, finding the right school was one part of the puzzle — the next was finding her place in it. It was here that she came across kids from Chicago's affluent North Side — privileged young people who held passports, took skiing vacations, flaunted designer accessories, and lived in swanky high-rise apartments.

Amidst these experiences, a bond developed between Michelle and Santita Jackson, the daughter of renowned political figure Jesse Jackson. Michelle found herself welcomed into the vibrant Jackson household, once even partaking in the bustling Bud Billiken Day Parade alongside Santita and other Jesse Jackson supporters — a window into the whirlwind life in politics.

Yet, the taste of political life didn't enchant her. The Jackson home was a chaotic vortex with people rushing about, rarely a moment of serenity in sight. As a reserved girl who appreciated order and control, she could tell — this was not her world.

High school was a significant phase that bolstered her intellectual confidence. The more she poured herself into her academics, the closer she inched to the apex of her class. By senior year, she wore multiple hats — the class treasurer, a member of the National Honor Society, and was on the path to making it into the top 10% of her class. At this juncture, she was brimming with enough confidence to set her gaze on Princeton.

A seed of doubt was planted by her guidance counselor, who voiced concerns about Michelle being "Princeton material". But with her newfound confidence, Michelle knew better than to let this affect her. She applied, she strove, and in the end, she emerged victorious, accepted into the prestigious institution.

Stepping into new terrains: From Princeton to life lessons.

Princeton had an allure that extended beyond its reputation, for Michelle. Her older brother, Craig, was already a student there, shining bright on the basketball team — a sight that filled their father with boundless pride. Thus, when Michelle first set foot on the immaculate New Jersey campus, she was not entirely on her own. However, this didn't instantly transform the campus into a comfortable sanctuary.

On her first day at Princeton, as she looked out her dorm room window, she saw a stream of students — predominantly white and male — bustling about, moving their belongings around the campus. For the first time, Michelle found herself standing out starkly as one of the few nonwhite faces. Her freshman class consisted of less than 9% Black students. She aptly describes this feeling as being like a poppy seed lost in a bowl of rice.

Despite the initial sense of alienation, Michelle found a comforting refuge in a campus community known as the Third World Center (TWC). When she landed the role of assistant to the woman who managed the TWC, she stumbled upon an inspirational mentor.

Czerny Brasuell, Michelle's new boss, was an epitome of relentless energy. A beautiful, young Black woman, she was often seen dashing from one meeting to another, a bunch of papers tucked under her arm and a cigarette perpetually hanging from her lips. She was a whirlwind of dynamism, accomplishing all this while juggling her role as a single mother.

Michelle was particularly awestruck by Czerny during a trip to New York City — a first for Michelle. The city, with its cacophony of honking horns, shouting people, and swift-paced life, both fascinated and unnerved her. But for Czerny, this chaos seemed to serve as a fuel, charging her energy. She deftly navigated the city, zipping around taxis and pedestrians, double-parking with ease, running in and out of stores — all while making it look effortless.

In a scenario where double parking was not possible, Czerny tossed Michelle into the deep end — instructing her to take the wheel and drive around the block while Czerny ran an errand. Michelle was initially taken aback, but Czerny's unfazed expression, seemingly saying "Relax and live a little", encouraged her to take on the challenge.

While at Princeton, Michelle majored in Sociology and had her sights set on applying to Harvard Law School. However, alongside these academic pursuits, she was also learning invaluable life lessons from Czerny. Michelle envisaged herself as a working mother in the future, and Czerny was the embodiment of how to elegantly balance this role with poise and panache.

A significant encounter: When Michelle met Barack.

Returning to Chicago after completing Harvard Law School in 1988, Michelle joined Sidley and Austin, a renowned law firm. Part of her role involved mentoring promising law students and potentially setting them up to join the firm post-graduation. In this capacity, she encountered a charismatic young man named Barack Obama.

Even before meeting him, Michelle was privy to the buzz surrounding this impressive individual. Harvard professors were touting him as the most talented student they had ever encountered. However, Michelle was somewhat cynical. She'd often seen white professors over-enthralled by any smartly-dressed black man who demonstrated a shred of intellect. To add to her skepticism, he had the audacity to be late for their first meeting — and he smoked!

When Barack eventually arrived, it became evident that he wasn't your regular law student. Having taken a few years off before attending Harvard Law, he was older and exuded a sense of self-assured independence. His aura was such that everyone at the firm sought his opinion on their work.

Despite their differences, Michelle found common ground with Barack. An easy camaraderie quickly formed between them. He was well-acquainted with the South Side neighborhoods of Chicago, thanks to his stint as a community organizer, and his undeniable charm was hard to ignore. Nevertheless, Michelle didn't initially envision them as a romantic pair. As weeks rolled by and their meetings flowed smoothly, Michelle gave in to his proposition: she agreed to look past his smoking habit and accept a date with him.

On their first date, Michelle was somewhat reserved. After all, she had been rigidly chasing one career goal after another, never pausing to question if this was the life she genuinely desired. Michelle's increasing uncertainty about her chosen path made Barack's confident and laid-back demeanor seem almost intimidating. However, her defenses began to crumble gradually.

Barack possessed a unique perspective, unlike those Michelle typically associated with. It wasn't merely that he was intellectual and spent his spare time engrossed in urban housing literature. It was his disregard for money and an overriding passion to drive change that truly stood out. This sparked a deep reflection in Michelle about what she truly desired from her career.

The turning point arrived after a colleague's barbecue event, where Michelle observed Barack casually playing a game of basketball. The ease and calm he exuded, what one might call a touch of Hawaiian nonchalance, drew her in. Later that day, over ice cream, they shared their first kiss. Suddenly, all the doubts Michelle had harbored about her future with Barack seemed to evaporate.

A personal odyssey: Gains, losses, and transformative connections.

Amidst the thrill of a budding romance, Michelle and Barack were left grappling with the frustrations of a long-distance relationship while Barack completed his tenure at Harvard. Harvard, in an unprecedented move, appointed him the first Black editor of the highly esteemed Harvard Law Review.

During this emotionally-charged period, Michelle was hit with unsettling news. Her father was hospitalized. While she was aware of his battle with multiple sclerosis, the sheer intensity of his pain was alarming. For a couple of weeks, Michelle found herself visiting the hospital, only to witness her father's condition deteriorate. A robust, unshakable figure in her life, her father, merely 55, appeared alarmingly frail.

His inability to speak couldn't veil his emotions. His eyes, coupled with his repeated tender kisses on the back of Michelle's hand, conveyed a heartfelt goodbye.

The death of a loved one is an indomitable blow. However, 1991 marked a positive turning point. Barack returned to Chicago, allowing the couple to relish their life together. Even as job offers poured in for Barack, he remained considerate and thoughtful. His passion leaned more towards setting up community workshops to help a friend than towards accepting a lucrative position at a law firm.

Simultaneously, Michelle was contemplating a significant career shift. It was evident that her true calling was directly aiding people, not combing through corporate contracts. This realization coincided with her meeting Valerie Jarrett in 1991, an instrumental figure in her life.

Like Michelle, Valerie was a lawyer who had abandoned a high-paying job to fulfill her drive to assist people. Their common goal led to an immediate bond. Valerie helped Michelle secure a position as an assistant to Chicago's mayor, Richard Daley Jr. This was merely the commencement of their relationship, with Valerie continuing to play the role of a trusted friend and advisor.

In October 1992, Michelle and Barack tied the knot. However, they had little time for a honeymoon. The following November was a crucial election year, and Barack was conscripted into the Project VOTE! initiative aimed at facilitating Black communities' voter registration. Tirelessly dedicating himself to the cause, Barack managed to get 7,000 people registered within a week.

In 1993, after a couple of years serving at City Hall, Michelle found a new role as the executive director of a non-profit organization called Public Allies. The organization aimed to connect promising young individuals with mentors from the public sector. Michelle knew the profound impact a meaningful connection could have, making the organization's mission resonate deeply with her. This new role imbued her work with a fresh sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Against all odds: From skepticism to support.

During the early phase of their relationship, on a sweltering summer night, Michelle found herself accompanying Barack to a church basement in Roseland, a neighborhood nestled deep within the South Side of Chicago. The community had been grappling with the after-effects of factory shutdowns, and Barack wanted to assist. However, in that crowded, starkly lit basement, they were met with a group of predominantly older women who were highly skeptical of this elegantly dressed young Black man. How could he possibly contribute?

To Michelle's astonishment, Barack slowly managed to win over the group. He stressed the importance of political involvement. He presented them with a choice: would they yield, or would they stand up for a better future? He encouraged them to cast their votes and exert pressure on local representatives. By the end of his talk, the women were echoing "Amen!" in approval.

It was on this day that Michelle truly grasped the extent of Barack's persuasive and inspiring capabilities. While this talent undoubtedly unlocked many opportunities, it would occasionally prove to be a strain on their marriage.

After the successful Project VOTE! campaign, Barack's talents caught the attention of Chicago magazine. The publication went so far as to suggest that this promising young man should consider running for office. However, Barack dismissed the idea. At that moment, his primary focus was completing his first book, a memoir recounting his early life experiences. While the narrative was deeply personal, there was an additional incentive: a looming deadline to return the $40,000 advance he received from the publisher!

Ultimately, he managed to finish on time, and in 1995, Dreams from My Father was published — coincidentally, the same year when Barack was formally approached about a political career.

Michelle had her reservations about this proposition. Her interactions with politicians and her understanding of the political process had led her to view them as mostly self-centered individuals who contributed little in the way of positive impact. Additionally, her experiences at the Jackson household had taught her that politicians often spent a lot of time away from home. In her view, Barack was likely to have a greater impact as a non-profit leader than as a politician confined to an office.

Despite her concerns, an enticing opportunity had presented itself: a seat in the Illinois State Senate representing Hyde Park, their residential district, was up for grabs.

Michelle cautioned Barack, reminding him of the potential for frustration and the likelihood that his efforts might not induce significant change. Barack, in response, shrugged and said, "Maybe. But maybe I can do some good. Who knows?"

There was little to counter that argument. Though skeptical and worried about her idealistic husband being overwhelmed, Michelle didn't want to obstruct someone striving to make a difference. Ultimately, she lent him her approval.

The perils of the political sphere

One striking difference between Michelle and Barack is their respective approaches to handling confrontations and personal attacks. Barack possesses an uncanny ability to weather the storm, while Michelle often finds it challenging to shrug off offensive remarks. So far, this contrast hadn't posed significant issues in their life. However, entering the political arena meant opening themselves up to personal attacks and groundless accusations — a harsh reality that Michelle found particularly hard to adjust to.

A watershed moment in late 1999 threw this reality into stark relief. At the time, Barack was involved in a primary campaign for a House of Representatives seat, locked in a contest against fellow Democrats Bobby Rush and Donne Trotter.

During the holiday break, the scenario took an unexpected turn. The Illinois Senate suddenly called for an emergency vote on a contentious gun-control bill. Meanwhile, Barack and Michelle were in Hawaii visiting family, grappling with their newborn daughter, Malia's, ear infection. Considering the complications Michelle had faced during her pregnancy — which eventually led them to opt for in vitro fertilization — Malia's sickness caused them significant distress. As Malia wasn't fit to travel, Barack decided to stay by her side in Hawaii, sacrificing his opportunity to cast his vote on the bill — a legislation he had fervently supported. The decision, while tough, seemed unquestionably right to him in favor of prioritizing family.

Despite his rationale, this choice incited a surge of attacks on Barack's character. A local paper denounced those missing the vote as "gutless sheep". Meanwhile, his primary opponents didn't hesitate to unleash more personal assaults. Bobby Rush questioned Barack's professionalism and dismissed him as an "educated fool". Donne Trotter accused him of "using his child as an excuse not to go to work", even going as far as to label him "a white man in blackface."

While one could argue that Barack's decision was ripe for political exploitation, the severity and falseness of these attacks deeply wounded Michelle.

Although Barack eventually lost the primary, he continued to serve in the state senate. More crucially, in June 2001, the Obama family welcomed their second daughter: Natasha Marian Obama, fondly known as Sasha.

A shift in perspective: From disdain to acceptance

Michelle's skepticism of politics, unfortunately, wasn't unfounded. As a state senator, Barack's consistent absences turned family dinners into rare luxuries. Such was the severity of the issue that the couple eventually sought couples counseling. Hence, when the prospect of Barack running for the US Senate surfaced, Michelle was far from enthusiastic.

However, what she didn't reveal to Barack was her true lack of confidence in his chances of winning, especially in the wake of his recent loss in the congressional primary. Eventually, she gave her reluctant approval, but not without making Barack promise that if he didn't succeed, he'd bow out of politics and seek alternative means to instigate change. However, as destiny would have it, the Republican opponent bowed out, paving the way for Barack's victory.

As a US Senator, Barack's commitments further intensified, resulting in even lesser family time. His frequent assurances of "On my way" or "Almost home" were misleading, often implying delayed departures due to prolonged discussions with colleagues.

Then came a significant turning point — the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Presidential candidate John Kerry requested Barack to deliver the keynote speech. Despite Barack's limited national recognition beyond Illinois, and his lack of experience with teleprompters and prime-time television, he agreed. To label 2004 as a fortunate year for Barack would be a gross understatement — it almost seemed as though a cosmic force was guiding his journey.

The truth was, the preparation for the DNC speech had been a lifelong endeavor for Barack, making it uniquely compelling. Sure, he had memorized it, but he was also speaking from his heart. While the power of his speech didn't surprise Michelle — after all, she was well-acquainted with her husband's potential — it captivated the nation, turning Barack into an overnight sensation.

NBC commentator Chris Matthews, after hearing the speech, proclaimed, "I've just seen the first Black president."

Unsurprisingly, Barack announced his presidential candidacy in the next election. Michelle was taken aback when 15,000 people braved the harsh Illinois winter to attend the announcement. Suddenly, her family seemed to have attained rockstar status!

At that moment, Michelle's outlook on politics underwent a transformation. She realized the multitude counting on them, felt a surge of commitment and responsibility towards those seeing her husband as a symbol of hope. She was now ready to take on a significant role in echoing his message and narrating his story.

The quest for normality amidst chaos

The 2008 presidential campaign brought a seismic shift to the Obamas' life. The once-familiar figure of Barack turned into a frenzied presence, always on the move. Added to that were the unprecedented security threats, which resulted in him receiving a secret-service security detail earlier than any other candidate in history.

As much as Michelle grasped the necessity of such measures, she fretted over the potential impact of this chaotic lifestyle on her children. Hence, despite the whole country tracking their lives, Michelle attempted to maintain some semblance of normality.

On the Fourth of July in 2008, amidst the frenzy of the Montana campaign, they endeavored to give Malia a semblance of a birthday celebration. Surrounded by strangers singing "Happy Birthday" and with secret service agents nearby, would Malia be able to remember this day with fondness?

However, the grace with which Malia and Sasha coped was nothing short of astounding. They reveled in the little pleasures — playing cards with the campaign staff, seeking out ice cream shops in new towns. The intimidating secret-service agents turned into adult friends. And intriguingly, they seemed undisturbed by the escalating attention towards their father.

Things, of course, escalated after Barack's victory. Life in the White House was akin to entering an alternate reality, where even the simplest tasks like stepping out of the house or purchasing a birthday card could turn into a logistical nightmare, thanks to the stringent security protocols.

While the loss of privacy and autonomy was one thing for Michelle and Barack, Michelle was resolute in preserving as much normality as possible for their daughters.

One of her first actions in the White House was reassuring Sasha and Malia that despite its intimidating grandeur, it was still their home. She encouraged them to feel comfortable — to play in the hallways, to scour the pantry for snacks. She prioritized establishing a reliable system for their friends to visit.

Navigating through the labyrinthine rules and limitations of the White House while raising children was no easy task. But a moment of respite appeared early on. One winter day, Michelle spotted Sasha and Malia, using a borrowed tray from the kitchen as a sledge, enjoying a joyful ride down the snow-clad slope on the South Lawn. Observing this, she felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, she thought, this unusual life wouldn't be so bad for them after all.

Embracing the role of a First Lady

Living in the White House came with its perks. For one, Barack was freed from his draining commutes. With the Oval Office essentially a flight of stairs away, he surprisingly found more time to attend family dinners than during his Senator days.

But stepping into the role of the First Lady presented Michelle with a fresh set of challenges. The role, as prestigious as it was, came with no handy guidebook. With the world's eyes on her, any potential faux pas would not be easily forgiven, especially given her dual role as the first African-American First Lady.

Michelle's predecessor, Hillary Clinton, handed her valuable advice, cautioning her about getting overly involved in the administration's agenda. Hillary herself had faced criticisms when she intended to leverage her legal expertise to shape healthcare and other policy areas. To avoid such pitfalls, Michelle meticulously planned initiatives that supplemented the administration's policies, yet were independent endeavors.

One of the initial initiatives was "Let's Move!" aimed at combating the worsening issue of childhood obesity, which had tripled in the last three decades. At the center of this program was Michelle's idea of setting up a White House garden, which would not only encourage healthy eating but also help foster a home-like environment in the otherwise imposing White House.

After some deliberation, the garden project was allotted 1,100 square feet of fertile land on the White House South Lawn. As spring arrived, Michelle and a bunch of fifth-grade students from Bancroft Elementary School geared up with shovels and hoes, preparing the soil for planting. In the weeks that followed, a wide array of vegetables and herbs were planted under the watchful eyes of the press.

The extensive press coverage added momentum to the initiative but also piled on the pressure. The uncertainties of gardening — not all seeds turn into sprouting vegetables — loomed over Michelle. She dreaded the negative press attention that a failing garden would garner, a not-so-ideal start to her tenure as the First Lady.

Luckily, the vegetables played their part. Ten weeks after the initial planting, the first harvest yielded a staggering 90 pounds of produce, which was promptly incorporated into the White House's daily meals. By the time she left the White House, the garden was annually producing an impressive 2,000 pounds of food.

Challenging dates and harsh reminders

Being the First Lady doesn't make going on a date with your husband any less complicated. During their first term in the White House, Michelle and Barack craved for some time for themselves. They envisioned a perfect evening — a dinner followed by a Broadway play. Despite the elaborate planning it involved, they believed it was worth a shot.

However, the reality was far from perfect. The presidential motorcade froze the bustling New York traffic. Security checks were conducted at the restaurant and the theatre, leading to inconvenience for people there. The date ended not on a sweet note, but with an onslaught of negative press coverage.

As the family adapted to the White House life during the start of the second term, Michelle was continually perturbed by the harsh press coverage. She found it distressing when media outlets amplified baseless rumors about Barack — that he had falsely claimed his birthplace and fabricated his birth certificate, along with the Hawaiian newspaper clippings heralding his birth.

Apart from being emotionally hurtful, these allegations seemed to incite dangerous elements who posed violent threats to Barack. Such rumors had been floating since 2008, but when they resurfaced in the winter of 2011, an armed assailant fired shots on the White House's residential floor with a semi-automatic rifle.

The damage took months to repair, and for that period, a prominent dent on the bullet-proof window in Michelle's reading room served as a grim reminder of the necessity of stringent security protocols.

The following year, Michelle chose to advocate against gun violence. Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old girl who attended the January 2013 inaugural event, was tragically the thirty-sixth gun violence victim that month in Chicago.

Moved by Hadiya's funeral, Michelle prompted her chief of staff to liaise with Chicago Mayor Raham Emanuel to assist the city's at-risk kids. Collaborating with community leaders, they raised $33 million for youth programs in the city.

Michelle also arranged for students from Harper High School in Chicago's South Side to visit the White House and tour Howard University. While she knew a hug from the First Lady wouldn't solve their problems, she wanted to reassure these kids that their neighborhood doesn't predestine their future.

Raising children in the strange confines of the White House or finding her voice in Barack's agenda was never easy for Michelle. Nevertheless, looking back, she feels a sense of pride in her achievements. That nagging voice questioning her adequacy had been quelled once more, affirming her self-belief — "Yes, I am."

Despite her achievements, however, Michelle continues to harbor a distaste for politics, with no intentions of running for office.

A lifelong journey of aspiration

Michelle Obama's life has been a continuous journey of ambition — striving to excel as a student, a professional, a mother, and a First Lady. This path helped her understand her own identity and her purpose in life, rather than living up to preconceived expectations. Michelle evolved into a self-reliant woman — a working mother who served her kids and her community alike. While she may have reached certain milestones in life, her aspiration to help others remains undiminished.

In retrospect, Michelle acknowledges the numerous achievements of her time in the White House. Her "Let’s Move!" initiative revolutionized school lunches for 45 million children and enrolled 11 million kids in associated after-school programs. The "Joining Forces" initiative assisted 1.5 million veterans and their spouses in securing employment. Her "Let Girls Learn" initiative raised billions of dollars, helping girls globally to access education and the empowerment it brings. These accomplishments indeed marked significant milestones.

However, there's one accomplishment that holds a special place in Michelle's heart: Despite the overwhelming demands of public service, she and Barack managed to raise two exceptional daughters.