With millions of American eyes on Michelle Obama’s every outfit, pair of shoes, choice of coat and accompanying jewelry, it’s no wonder she has the ability to grab the attention of so many and turn the subject matter to giving back and community service.
In an address to the Corporation for National and Community Service Employees, the First Lady told the group about how getting involved in community service was at one time not an option for her – she had to work to help her family keep food on the table and to keep herself in school.
But later in life, she traded in a corporate job with a nice paycheck for a more meaningful, in her opinion, career in the public sector. She says it was a great decision and she feels good about the work she has done for others.
"You probably understand that feeling that you get when you help somebody achieve their goals, when you help a group of young people learn more about themselves by working with others, when you hire young diverse people, and you see them grow and develop," she said to others in the room and joining by conference who had also been involved in public service.
"There is nothing more fulfilling. It’s an opportunity to put your faith into action in a way that regular jobs don’t allow – to use your larger talents for the greater good," added Obama.
Mrs Obama’s call to service comes just weeks after the Congress passed and President Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.
President Obama said the new service act is about "connecting deeds to needs" and will help Americans find ways to get involved.
Among other initiatives, the new bill will provide summer service opportunities for young adults and expand the number of positions for AmeriCorps over the next eight years.