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Politics and Activism

13 Lessons Taught By Michelle Obama

Because this is what a role model looks like.

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13 Lessons Taught By Michelle Obama
The Nation

Michelle Obama has spent the past eight years in the White House, providing an excellent example of what a woman can be. She has empowered women to stand up for equal rights, fought for the education of woman all over the world, shown that it is possible not to let people get you down no matter what they say. She has had to deal with a lot of ignorance, hatred, sexism, and more. Yet, despite all of that, she continues to fight to better this country even for those who hate her for who she is. These are the times where she showed us that she is an amazing First Lady.

1. When she told us that anyone could make a difference.

"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”

2. When she valued honesty and integrity over success.

“We learned about honesty and integrity - that the truth matters... that you don't take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules... and success doesn't count unless you earn it fair and square.”

3. When she reminded us that there is still a lot of good in this nation.

“Every day, the people I meet inspire me... every day, they make me proud... every day they remind me how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on earth.”

4. When she encouraged us to make the right choices in who we allow in our life.

“Find people who will make you better.”

5. When she embraced everyone’s part in life.

“We learned about gratitude and humility – that so many people had a hand in our success, from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our school clean... and we were taught to value everyone's contribution and treat everyone with respect.”

6. When she showed us how to go high.

“One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don't invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.”

7. When she gave us something to look forward to.

“There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.”

8. When she reaffirmed that it is alright to choose yourself once and awhile.

“We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list.”

9. When she knew what mattered.

“I want a president who will teach our children that everyone in this country matters, a president who truly believes in the vision that our Founders put forth all those years ago that we are all created equal, each a beloved part of the great American story.”

10. When she knew enough was enough.

“I am so tired of fear. And I don't want my girls to live in a country, in a world, based on fear.”

11. When she wanted us to lead by example.

“With every word we utter, with every action we take, we know our kids are watching us. We as parents are their most important role models.”

12. When she appreciated what mattered.

“I want a president with a record of public service, someone whose life's work shows our children that we don't chase fame and fortune for ourselves: we fight to give everyone a chance to succeed.”

13. When she was the First Lady that this country needed.

“And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values, like you work hard for what you want in life. That your word is your bond; that you do what you say you're going to do. That you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them and even if you don't agree with them.”



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