The daughters of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia and Sasha Obama, have grown up in a world few can fully understand. From their childhood in the White House to their transition into independent young women, their journey has been closely followed by the media and the public. While the Obama family has always maintained a sense of privacy, their deep family values and strong bond have been evident throughout the years.
In this article, we take a closer look at how Malia and Sasha have navigated life in the spotlight, their upbringing in one of the most famous families in the world, and the strong values their parents instilled in them.
A Childhood in the White House
Malia and Sasha Obama were just 10 and 7 years old, respectively, when their father, Barack Obama, was elected as the 44th President of the United States in 2008. Unlike most children, their childhood involved living in the White House, being surrounded by Secret Service agents, and attending high-profile events alongside world leaders.
Despite the challenges that came with growing up under public scrutiny, Michelle and Barack Obama worked hard to provide their daughters with as normal a childhood as possible. Michelle once stated that she and Barack made a rule that no matter what was going on in the world, they would always have dinner as a family at 6:30 PM.
Both Malia and Sasha attended the Sidwell Friends School, an elite private school in Washington, D.C., which has educated several children of U.S. presidents. They were also involved in extracurricular activities, including sports and music, and were often seen spending time with their friends just like any other teenagers.
Life After the White House: Malia and Sasha’s Paths to Independence
After leaving the White House in 2017, both Malia and Sasha embarked on their own individual paths, continuing their education and exploring their interests.
Malia Obama, the eldest daughter, attended Harvard University, following in the footsteps of her parents, who both earned law degrees from the prestigious institution. During her time at Harvard, Malia pursued her passion for film and television. She has interned with major production companies and was even involved in a project with Hollywood figures like Donald Glover.
She has since taken a step further into the entertainment industry, working as a writer and filmmaker. Her creative aspirations reflect her desire to forge her own identity separate from her family’s political legacy.
Sasha Obama, the younger daughter, took a different path, attending the University of Michigan before later transferring to the University of Southern California. Unlike her sister, Sasha has kept a lower profile, but she has still been spotted enjoying her college experience and spending time with friends.
Michelle Obama has spoken proudly about how her daughters have adjusted to life outside of the White House, saying that they are independent, smart, and capable young women who are figuring out their futures on their own terms.
The Obama Family Bond and Values
One of the strongest aspects of the Obama family has always been their unwavering bond. Michelle and Barack have often shared that their main goal as parents was to raise grounded, humble, and compassionate children despite their extraordinary circumstances.
In her memoir, Becoming, Michelle wrote about how she and Barack prioritized raising their daughters with strong values, ensuring they understood the importance of hard work, kindness, and service to others.
Barack Obama has also been vocal about how proud he is of his daughters. He once shared in an interview that watching them grow into mature, intelligent, and socially conscious young women is one of the greatest joys of his life.