First lady Michelle Obama always believed her husband would be “useful,” yet never expected him to land the most powerful job in the world.
“I always thought he would be useful, but I had no idea he was going to be president,” the first lady told a group of schoolgirls gathered to hear her speak Wednesday at Christ Church College in Oxford, England.
Michelle Obama went on about the president, whom she met more than 20 years ago while working at Sidley & Austin, a corporate law firm in Chicago. The first lady was tasked with mentoring Barack Obama and their relationship blossomed.
The “Let’s Move!” campaigner added that she was confident Barack Obama was a catch because he cared so much about his family and had a good sense of humor.
“I knew he was a special person. And it had nothing to do with his education, it had nothing to do with potential,” the first lady said of Barack Obama, who attended Harvard Law School and Columbia University. “It was those kind of values that made me think, you don’t meet people like that often. And when you couple that with talent – and he’s cute.”
Reflecting on her “useful” spouse, the first lady had some relationship suggestions for the young females in attendance, warning them to steer clear of negative influences.
“Reach for partners that make you better,” Michelle Obama said. “Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. And trust your instincts. Good relationships feel good, they feel right…It’s with the people you surround yourselves with, and that’s just as important as the school that you choose.”