Michelle Obama’s Interview
Michelle Obama’s interview on 20/20 with Robin Roberts reflected on how their family made history ten years ago. Also, how this history is captured in her new book, Becoming. President Obama became the 44th president it was an overwhelming sense of pride to witness a Black man going to the White House. The images of him, his wife, and their two children walking across the stage were surreal. My first thought was if only my dad were alive to witness this piece of history.
Michelle Obama, Becoming
Michelle Obama has become such a model of dignity and grace in her eight years as the first lady. Tonight, I viewed her 20/20 interview with Robin Roberts. The interview covered her new book, Becoming, which I pre-ordered a few months ago.
Her Life
The best part of the interview was her honesty on topics that really touch women in every facet of their life. She was honest about having a miscarriage and how she felt so alone. It raised a good point on why this is not a conversation that we share universally. My second pregnancy ended in miscarriage and fortunately for me, another friend had experienced a miscarriage months before so we were support for one another.
Excerpts from Becoming
Robin was surprised to see in the book her talk about the lust for her husband. Michelle was being 100% honest about how she felt about her husband. Whenever they were together during those eight years in the White House, it was obvious they share a deep love and mutual respect for one another. Michelle knew after they shared their first kiss he was the one. She was very transparent that their “phenomenal marriage” is not without work and the help of marriage counseling. I love the fact Michelle made it known on camera that marriage takes work.
On her visit to a dance class at her high school. She talked about a school counselor telling her she was not Princeton material. Fortunately, she wanted to prove the counselor wrong. This conversation resonated with me because I was told by a school counselor to consider a different major for college. I decided to do it anyway. Michelle’s message to the girls was not to allow anyone to stop you from pursuing your dreams. It was interesting to see Michelle wrestle with questioning whether she was good enough.
Becoming My Thoughts so Far
My holiday break allowed me to catch up on reading Becoming. I am blown away with how familiar this book feels to my childhood, teen years, college years and beyond. I love Michelle’s transparency on every facet of her life. It is like I dove back into my childhood growing up in a working-class neighborhood of West Philly, growing up with relatives playing Pinochle, the angst of attending a predominately white university, and the challenges of balancing many hats as a woman. Her sense of family played a major role in her life choices. While I am still finishing the book, it is refreshing to read how career choices evolve over time. It is fine to make changes that are a better fit at various stages of life. I especially love reading about the relationship between Michelle and Barack. The progression of their loving relationship is authentic. I cannot to wait to finish so I can give my thoughts on the full content and what I can share with my tween.