Women face many obstacles across the globe and the United States is no exception. Even in one of the most developed countries women face inequalities when it comes to income, opportunity and healthcare.
It is hard to aspire to be more than you are when you look around and see no one like you in any leadership positions. Women need a role model. And I think that is where First Lady Michelle Obama steps in.
Since her reign (yes, she is a queen) she has become a fashion icon and an advocate for women, military families, arts and art education, the poor and neglected, and the importance of nutrition and healthy choices in the battle against childhood obesity.
Michelle is the epitome of an educated and powerful woman (did I mention she graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law?). While her accomplishments sound great on paper, I think her words speak at much greater volumes for what she advocates.
1. "Compete with the boys. Beat the boys."
Don't be afraid to step up the plate. Remember when you were little and everyone always played outside together? Somehow when we got older we all decided to separate: girls did their own things, the guys did their thing. Guys were good at math and science, girls were good at makeup. This one is for all my ladies who aren't afraid to do what they love. Continue being that bad-ass in the engineering lab and leaving your blood and sweat on the court for your sports team. And for all the ladies killing it in the arts and education despite the fact that you take so much crap and belittlement for doing what you love: keep on waking up with a smile on your face.
2. "There is no boy cute enough or interesting enough to stop you from getting an education."
Preach girl, preach! Young women are so easily influenced by the media they read. And it's hard to not be influenced when all you see are unrealistic body types. Young women are told to find their worth in their bodies and that worth only seems actualized when it comes in the physical validation of a boyfriend or significant other. Social media and advertising has made young women insecure in themselves and when women are insecure they don't seek out opportunities to succeed. Be proud of who you are; no one can determine your worth but yourself.
3. "When you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back."
This is what I love about Michelle: She doesn't ride on a "First Lady high horse." She gets her hands dirty and gets directly involved with what she is passionate about. She understands that the only way to have change in this country is for people to be willing to give up a portion of what they have in order to help someone else. Use your success to make a difference.
4. "I want you to understand that every scar that you have is a reminder not just that you got hurt, but that you survived."
Another positive sentiment to get us through the day. Too often we are defined by what has hurt us. In a country that is divided by race, gender, religion and sexual orientation, there is too often a case of hate in the news. It is important in these times of turmoil to remain positive, to know that we have lived to fight another day. You are more than the words people use to break you down.
5. "Instead of letting your hardships and failures discourage or exhaust you, let them inspire you. Let them make you even hungrier to succeed."
You never know who is watching and who might be inspired by your story.
6. "Understand that getting help isn't a sign of weakness but a sign of strength."
In your journey don't be afraid to ask for help. It is more likely than not that there are other people who share similar experiences and would be happy to guide you on your way. As a country we need to understand that we are stronger when we work together. We must realize that our neighbor's problem is indeed our problem too. And that it is not the sole responsibility of a targeted group to fight their own battles. If we are lucky enough to have privilege then we must use it to be an ally for those who do not.
Thank you Michelle Obama for inspiring a generation of women with your words and actions.
