BY SUZANNE MCCULLAGH HOLA USA
In Michelle Obama ’s autobiography Becoming and in her recent Netflix documentary based around the book and its promotion, we get a glimpse into how hard Michelle and Barack tried to shield their young daughters from the intense media scrutiny that inevitably came with the job. And also how keen they were that their girls grew up in as normal a way as possible – from having to make their own beds in the White House to having sleepovers with their friends.
Since moving out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 2017, Sasha and Malia Obama have endeavored to keep out of the spotlight and are focusing on their studies and future careers. Take a look at what we know about them as they grow into accomplished young ladies.
Internship
Before starting Harvard in the fall of 2017, Malia took part in an internship at Weinstein Co which consisted of: “reading through scripts and deciding which ones move on to Weinstein brass.”
First serious boyfriend
It was at Harvard that Malia met and fell in love with fellow student Rory Farquharson, a British man whose father heads a London investment firm.
Washington base
The Obamas decided to stay in Washington, D.C., after Barack’s last term, making him the first US President in almost 100 years to remain in the capital. Michelle later joked on the Ellen DeGeneres show that Sasha was especially pleased with the new house: “Sasha actually killed in this house, She has, like, this two-room suite, it’s all decked out. She’s got a living area and bedroom, and she designed it.”
Daughters first
One of the main reasons for staying in Washington D.C. was so that Sasha could finish her schooling at Sidwell Friends High School. Barack mentioned this fact in an interview with Politico: “We’re going to have to stay a couple of years so Sasha can finish, transferring someone in the middle of high school — tough.”
Here the girls are seen on a family holiday in Bali in 2017, enjoying some much deserved rest and relaxation with their parents.
University
Sasha went on to enroll at the University of Michigan in 2019. Although it’s not known what she is studying, the university ranks fourth nationwide for their business programs.
Hanging with Cardi B
While older sister Malia was spotted in Harvard band New Dakotas’ song Walking on Air video, Sasha hung out backstage with Cardi B at DC’s Sixth Annual Broccoli City Festival in early 2018. According to the festival’s website, it’s aimed at young people and “focuses on unifying people to achieve positive social change.”
Finding their voices
Hearing Sasha and Malia speak eloquently during mom’s Becoming documentary was a revelatory moment as, until then, they hadn’t participated in any public speaking on a big scale.
What stood out was the love and respect they both have for their parents, with Malia saying to Michelle: “You’re so good. I love you too much.” Sasha added later on: “I’m excited for her to be proud of what she’s done because I think that’s the most important thing for a human to do is be proud of themselves.”
Forever family
There’s no doubt that these two intelligent, caring and beautiful women are going to have a big impact, whatever they decide to go on and do. And we can’t wait to witness it!
