Early Years

Michelle Robinson was born on January 17, 1964. She was raised by her two parents, Fraser and Marion in a one-bedroom apartment of Chicago’s South Side. Marion was a stay-at-home mom and her father, Fraser, was a city pump operator and Democratic precinct captain. Although he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, he remained the head of the household. Michelle and her older brother Craig were raised to strive for their goals despite any obstacles they might face. In the beginning, success came easy for her brother Craig who was awarded a scholarship to Princeton for his winning basketball talents and excellent academics. Michelle would have to strive even harder to attain her goals. She learn to cultivate her brother’s good study habits and succeeded with her own acceptance into Princeton.

A Campus Divided

Despite her achievements, Michelle would soon learn that her admission into Princeton would not come without barriers. Michelle and her two girlfriends became very aware of the racial tension on campus by the divided social gatherings. In her senior thesis for Sociology, Michelle wrote that she had been made aware of her ‘blackness’ more than ever before and it appeared that she would always be regarded as black first and a student second. Rather than feeling discouraged, Michelle knew that hard work and determination were the keys to her success. She graduated Princeton with honors and was accepted into Harvard Law School.

The Man Who Would Changed Her Life

After graduating from Harvard, Michelle joined the law firm of Sidley Austin. It was in 1988 when she met a biracial intern from Hawaii name Barack Obama. She had been assigned to be his mentor. Although she may have been a little taken back by his unconventional approach, Michelle discovered there was something refreshing about Barack’s commitment to his ideals. It proved to be a quality that attracted her to him.

The Darkness Before the Dawn

Not long after they met, Michelle’s father lost his battle with multiple sclerosis. Adding to her pain was the loss of her long-time college friend, Suzanne Alele, who died of lymphoma. It was in this time of darkness that Michelle realized she needed to re-evaluate her life and her goals. Although she had excellent credentials from two very prestigious schools and money, she still felt she had not yet discovered what her purpose in life was. She had not found her passion in life.

A New Path

Michelle decided to leave the law firm and become a mentor to young people. She wanted to light the way for young people to become involved in public service work. It was this endeavor that Michelle discovered her passion and purpose.

She also became Mrs. Barack Obama in 1992.

During her work in the public sector, she founded Public Allies Chicago in 1993 which helped young adults enter into public service careers. Michelle also inspired and campaigned for a program that would help join doctors with clinics and community hospitals in nearby disadvantaged areas.

A Mom First

Barack and Michelle have two daughters; Malia (11) and Sasha (8). Michelle has said that she will be focused on her daughters and making sure they adjust to their new life in the White House.

It was Michelle’s idea to use a laptop computer to help the family stay connected by way of video chats on the internet. Given the loving home she was raised in, Michelle values the time with her family. She will not take long trips away from her daughters.

Michelle anchors Barack to the family unit by clearing his schedule for important family engagements. At times, it may seem as if she is emasculating Barack in her approach to keep him grounded, but he knows that this is only a misconception.

First Lady

Michelle Obama is a very accomplished women with a lot to be proud of. She is dedicated to her family and her work. She has been a tower of support to her community by leading young people to public service work and by developing programs that address the relationship between the hospitals and their communities. She has mastered being a career woman, mother and wife of a politician. Despite these demanding roles, Michelle has handled them with poise and grace. She is a very capable and dedicated women who can undoubtedly achieve anything she puts her mind to.

It is no wonder that Barack calls her “his rock”.