It's been eye-opening to watch Michelle Obama share some very personal details about her life on her book tour to promote her new memoir Becoming. The inspiring First Lady has opened up about infertility, her couples therapy with husband President Barack Obama, and exactly what it was like living in the White House. Now, as the latest public figure to complete NBC News' series "Note to Self," she shares even more details about her young life as she prepared to attend Princeton as an 18-year-old.
"You're at one of the finest universities in the world," she remembers. "You're smiling, and you should be, you worked hard for this. But even now, after you reached your goal, you're still not quite sure if you belong and can't get one question out of your mind: 'Am I good enough?'"
She reveals, "Years from now, you'll learn that your parents had to take out new credit cards to pay your tuition. But Michelle, what you'll come to realize one day is that you're only seeing what you lack and not everything that your story has given you."
In fact, the letter also has a heart-wrenching tribute to her personal background, specifically her father. "Your father's final lesson will come far too soon. He'll teach you that life is fleeting. So laugh with him until your side hurts. Savor the grip of his hugs, the softness in his eyes. A day will come when those memories are all you'll have."
Michelle gushes about the future she has in store, including the "brilliant" and "good-looking" man she's going to meet (hint: her husband) who will give her two "perfect" daughters. But ultimately, she reminds her young to practice self-love and understanding. "You're more than enough, Miche. You always have been and you always will be. And I can't wait for you to see that." (weeps softly)
In May, Michelle shared an image of exactly what she looked like back then, with a snap of her at Princeton in the '80s. She gave some advice to first-generation college students, saying, "Going to college is hard work, but every day I meet people whose lives have been profoundly changed by education, just as mine was." She added, "My advice to students is to be brave and stay with it."
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
-
Anna Sawai Shares First Emmy Win With "Women Who Expect Nothing and Continue to Be an Example for Everyone"The 'Shōgun' star made history at the Emmys as the first Asian woman to win Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
-
Presenting the Best-Dressed Stars on the 2024 Emmys Red CarpetThese women (and men!) redefined Hollywood glamour.
-
'Baby Reindeer' Star Richard Gadd Says "It Always Gets Better" As He Wins Emmy for Writing the Autobiographical Series"If you're struggling, keep going and I promise you things will be okay," he said while picking up his first Emmy.
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible""Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
-
Malia Obama Drops Her Famous Last Name Professionally, Opting to Go by This Moniker InsteadShe clearly wants to set herself apart from her powerhouse parents as she forges a career in Hollywood.
-
What Does Power Mean in 2023?Who defines power? Who gets to be powerful—and who doesn't? This year, we asked 29 noteworthy voices of our time to weigh in on the state of influence. This is what they had to say.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All TimeHonestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young WomanFrom childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
