Michelle obama early life

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Michelle Obama, the wife of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, led the nation in style and grace in the White House from 2009 to 2017.

But for many Americans, Michelle is their "forever first lady," a role model who dedicated her life to public service. A graduate of not one, but two Ivy League universities, Michelle gave back to her hometown of Chicago as a working mom before decamping to Washington, D.C., where she affected change as first lady, a public figure admired for her smarts, poise and impeccable fashion sense.

Michelle obama as a child

But the road to the storied East Wing of the White House wasn't entirely smooth. From dealing with tragic loss to learning early on in life about society's harsh realities, Michelle has been a fighter from day one.

This is the story of her remarkable evolution, from a girl from the South Side of Chicago into one of the most admired wom