Michelle Obama Tells Zaya Wade ‘I Am Just So Proud Of You’ During Virtual Interview

Michelle Obama Tells Zaya Wade ‘I Am Just So Proud Of You’ During Virtual Interview

Zaya Wade can cross meeting former first lady Michelle Obama off of her bucket list. On Thursday, March 4th, 13-year-old Zaya Wade had the opportunity to chat with Michelle Obama virtually as the pair discussed advice for young readers of Michelle Obama’s book Becoming. During their conversation, Zaya Wade shared with Michelle Obama that she was nervous to talk to her. She said,

“I’m meeting an idol. I’m literally meeting an idol. “[I’ve been] preparing for this moment for so long.”

Michelle Obama responded to Zaya Wade, who is the daughter of Dwyane Wade and step-daughter of Gabrielle Union, and jokingly said,

“I hear you’re slotting me in between school, so I feel very special. Ask your teacher for forgiveness from me because you’re doing me a favor.”

During their virtual talk, Zaya asked the Grammy-Award-winning author if she had any advice for teenagers that want to be themselves and thrive as Michelle Obama has throughout her life.

Michelle responded to Zaya’s question and shared that she’s proud of the young student for thriving in her own life as well. She said,

“Well, like you have and currently are. I am just so proud of you, you know, being just an amazing role model and embracing your truth.”

Michelle continued and said that her number one piece of advice for young people is to be patient with themselves.

 

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“At your age, or in the teenage years and probably through your 20s, you’re gonna be experimenting with so many versions of yourself, right? All young people are trying on different versions, different voices, they’re learning more about their intellect, they’re learning about what they love, what they’re good at, what they like. This is the period of exploration.”

She added,

“You’re not supposed to know yet.”

Michelle Obama

Zaya Wade also shared her best advice for young people trying to find themselves and said,

“We all think that we thrive with people who are just like us, but I think getting a different perspective from someone else who isn’t like you really helps. That definitely helped me in becoming me and defining my truth.”

What are your thoughts on the conversation? Let us know in the comments.