Michelle Obama Quotes, Facts: Inspiring Sayings On Her 54th Birthday

Wednesday marks the 54th birthday of Michelle Obama, the wife of former President Barack Obama. While its unclear how Michelle will spend her birthday, the former first lady drew some eyes on her when she stepped out on a beach in Miami wearing a white bikini top and matching cut-off shorts over the weekend.

Michelle was photographed strolling barefoot on the sand at the Surf Club at the Four Seasons. She was wearing a white string bikini top, denim shorts, a white, sheer coverup and gold hoop earrings. Michelle's daughter Malia was also spotted in Miami Beach. While daughter Sasha was not seen at the beach, she had also accompanied the two for the vacation.

Michelle Obama was raised in the Robinson family at Chicago and graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. According to Michelle, her time at Princeton was the first time she was made more aware of her ethnicity. In her early legal career, Michelle worked at a law firm, where she met her husband Barack. The two were among the few African Americans at the firm, and she was assigned to mentor Barack while he was a summer associate.

She has worked as the Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago and as the Vice President for Community and External Affairs of the University of Chicago Medical Centre.

During her time as first lady, Michelle became a role model for women, an advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, healthy eating, and a fashion icon.

Below are some of Michelle's most memorable quotes from Brainy Quote, Good Reads and from some of her most inspiring speeches.

1. "Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own."

2. "There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made."

3. "For all of the young people in this room and those who are watching, know that this country belongs to you — to all of you, from every background and walk of life. If you or your parents are immigrants, know that you are part of a proud American tradition — the infusion of new cultures, talents and ideas, generation after generation, that has made us the greatest country on earth."

4. "We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list."

5. "So don’t be afraid. You hear me, young people? Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be Empowered. Empower yourself with a good education. Then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope; never fear."

6. "You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen."

7. "I never cut class. I loved getting A’s, I liked being smart. I liked being on time. I thought being smart is cooler than anything in the world."

8. "With every word we utter, with every action we take, we know our kids are watching us. We as parents are their most important role models."

9. "People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together."

10. "My most important title is still 'mom-in-chief.' My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the center of my world."

11. "Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude."

12. "If my future were determined just by my performance on a standardized test, I wouldn't be here. I guarantee you that."