Becoming

Becoming will use Michelle Obama’s life story to motivate you to move forward with your dreams regardless of your circumstances, criticism, or what people think.

The South Side of Chicago saw a huge demographic change between 1950 and 1980. In the ’50s, it’s residents were 96% white. Just 30 years later, it was 96% black. Michelle Obama began life right in the middle of this, and at her school, there was a good mix of different people.

As she grew, an increasing number of her wealthier neighbors moved to the suburbs and took their money with them. Because of this the schools and businesses in the area began declining. It wasn’t long before nefarious real estate agents dubbed the area a ghetto.

Thankfully, Michelle had a great mother who’s involvement in helping the community also helped her education.

In second grade Michelle told her mom how awful school was. She explained that the teacher couldn’t control the chaos of the class, and her mom listened. It wasn’t long before Michelle tested into a third-grade class of high-performing kids. Looking back, this was a crucial step to her success in school.

Her drive helped her get into an equal opportunity school with great teachers and other top students like Michelle. She continued to work hard amid doubts that she could do it, especially when comparing herself to the other high-achieving kids. By concentrating on the work she learned quickly and excelled.

Even though she was in the National Honors Society, class treasurer, and heading toward being in the top 10% of her class, Michelle still had opposition. She once had a meeting with a college counselor who said: “I’m not sure you’re Princeton material.” Michelle had hopes to go there because of an older brother that was already there. But this advisor, who should have been a professional, only told her to lower her sights. But she didn’t let this get her down, applied anyway, and got in. Sometimes you need to ignore the people who should be giving you the best advice to just go with your gut and shoot for the moon! And, as young Michelle quickly learned, doing so can lead you to people who truly believe in your ability to reach any dreams you have. While Princeton was mostly white, Michelle got involved with an organization by the name of Third World Center (TWC). This group gave support to students of color. It was here that she met Czerny Brasuell, a mentor who would be a positive influence on Michelle throughout college. Brasuell was a working mom, which is something Michelle hoped to be someday. She also gave good reading suggestions, answered questions, and helped Michelle begin…