Michelle Obama recalls getting 'emotional' while dropping off Sasha at college, says they wanted 'it to be as normal as possible'
Although they have lived in the White House and occupied the highest office in the land for eight years, underneath it all, the Obamas remain just like most other American families, including getting emotional while sending the youngest member of their family off to college.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama opened up in an interview with People magazine about why it was important to give 18-year-old Sasha Obama a normal send-off as she started her classes at the University of Michigan.
“Time just goes so fast. But like so many experiences in the last 10 years, we wanted to make it feel as normal as possible, given our family’s circumstances,” she said. “It was, of course, a little emotional to drop Sasha off at college." Just like any other responsible parents, the mother-of-two said that she and Barack Obama made sure that their daughter was comfortable in her college dorm before letting her pursue the next chapter in her life.
"We were there, just like most parents, helping her unpack and make her dorm room feel like home. But by and large, we let her take care of herself,” she continued. “As a parent, one of the most important things we can give our children is the freedom to find their own way in the world.”
However, more than Sasha, it would be a big change for her parents, who were so used to seeing her up and about the house. "It’s an adjustment to see each other for a weekend here, a holiday break there, but the moments we do spend together feel extra special because of it,” Michelle said.
She said that she learned early on in her life the significance of letting children follow their own path in life.
“I first learned this truth from my own mother, who made sure my brother and I had plenty of space to speak our minds, make mistakes, and follow our passions, wherever they might lead. I try to do the same with Sasha and Malia, honoring the unique flame each of them has inside. They are their own people, and that’s what I love about them. And they’ve got to have room to breathe and explore," she said.
It also meant not being overprotective of them as it would not let children learn from firsthand mistakes and be instilled with decision-making skills.
“Barack and I try to make sure that our daughters know that there’s no limit to what they can be or what they can achieve,” Michelle added. “They don’t learn that if their parents treat them like delicate little ornaments, set aside so they won’t break. Girls need to have the chance to create and explore and skin their knees from time to time, too.”