There's probably nothing more typical of me than writing about the Obama family and women (and Joe Biden, my Delaware homie). So the fact that I get to write about a woman who is also a part of the Obama family, has me pretty excited. This week, the New York Times released four letters written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Gloria Steinem, Jon Meacham and Rashida Jones (all incredibly wonderful souls) to the First Lady and I wanted to do the same. Somehow this was a catalyst that made me decide that I need to write my love letter to the First Lady, too.
It's interesting for me to think about the past eight years. I've grown up with the Obama family spearheading this country and I've formed my thoughts of feminism through Michelle Obama. A woman who was doubted eight years ago and now is revered.
I think about the simplicity of her words and her actions. The way she can calmly control a room like she did at the Democratic National Convention in July (in my hometown). The way she is now known as the first lady who has hugged the most people - something that could rival my mother.
I think about the way that she has been running this country for eight years, in the quietest ways. Through White House dinners, high school programs, exercise and healthy eating programs and, my favorite, Let Girls Learn, she has captivated us all by her success.
But it's not just what she's done in the past eight years either. It's the fact that she grew up in a household of a working father and a stay at home mother, the fact that she was Harvard educated, but not boastful. The fact that, while Barack Obama was Senator, he commuted home to Chicago as Michelle held a position as head of community affairs at a hospital. She made a name for herself. She didn't need help of others to get her there.
It must be a difficult position, as First Lady. The world watches you and judges you in a J.Crew dress (that sells out within minutes of an appearance). But I don't think that ever deterred Michelle at all. She took the position and turned it into something almost magical.
I'm not sure what's going to happen after November 8th. All I know is that the past eight years have been filled with the most graceful, fun, elegant, inspiring and powerful woman I could ever aspire to be.