US First Lady Michelle Obama in the eyes of Vietnamese women

A smart, witty woman. A relaxed soul in a healthy body. She can do 25 push-ups as easily as pie. These are impressions about Former US First Lady reflected in the eyes of Vietnamese women.

Translated by Ha Thuong

December 13, 2019 | 09:33

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us first lady michelle obama in the eyes of vietnamese women

The former first lady hugs a student in Vietnam

On Monday (December 9), Former US First Lady Michelle Obama made a tour to Can Giuoc high school in southern Long An province, urging a classroom of teenage girls to stay focused on their education to transform their lives. The trip is of special interest to both Vietnamese and international media. The women who were inspired by Mr. Obama and his spouse, Michelle Obama, shared with the reporter many beautiful impressions.

“She never hides behind her husband's shadow”

Shared by Hoang Thi Mnh Hong, co-Founder, CEO and Chairman of CHANGE, one of the first 12 Obama Foundation scholars at Columbia University in New York, USA.

“During my time at the Obama Foundation Scholar program, I met Michelle twice and once at her book signing. She inspires me a lot about a modern woman and how she leads. She is smart, sharp and at the same time very happy, witty and extremely affectionate. A relaxed mind in a healthy body. She can do 25 push-ups as easily as pie.

As the first lady of Former US President Obama, who is considered to be the most beloved in history, she is not flashy, rigid or arrogant. She spoke sincerely, interestingly, frankly shared about her weakness and difficult times in the married life with the famous husband. She never hides in the big shadow of her President husband, but pursues her own projects and her own passions.”

According to Ms. Hong, Michelle Obama's recent trip to Long An will be an event of special significance, changing the lives of many people. “I really want her to come to Vietnam to inspire many women. I was very excited hearing that she would tour to Can Giuoc high school, talking to girls about education. This could be a "turning point" to change the awareness and life of many Vietnamese girls”, Hong said.

Ms. Hong in "ao dai" standing next to Former President Obama in an exchange in the Obama Foundation Scholar Program

Many hope for girls’ education

Earlier, Ms. Nguyen Thu Hue, Founder of Center for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development, one of 20 winners of Obama Foundation Scholarship 2019 program, also recounted many beautiful memories of Mrs. Michelle Obama.

“That is a dedicate, erudite woman and also very simple and friendly. She clearly knows the profiles of all 20 students. I couldn’t forget the moment when I asked her about holding the door of opportunity open for someone else while it is open for myself. And she said, community work requires toughness, no one can do all the work alone. The most important thing is to know your limit, and create a community so that everybody can work. She said, one of the secrets is to be satisfied with the small success, taking it as a motivation to move on.”

Ms. Hue (white shirt, crossed arms) and students of the Obama Foundation Fellowship 2019 program

Ms. Huynh Ngoc Dieu Ngan, Communication Director for the Southeast Asia Hult Prize, said “I always keep a good impression of Former US President Obama and his spouse. I think, the hugs of Lady Michelle Obama in the talk with girls in Can Giuoc high school have inspired and motivated many girls. I hope more Vietnamese girls will be helped and supported after this meaningful meeting.”