Keeping Up With: The Obamas

The first African-American President caught the eyes of many and received a lot of backlash when he was first elected in 2008. Americans were skeptical of change, but as his presidency went on, America came to like this comedic, sympathetic, and interesting man.

People loved the slight humor he used to lighten heavy situations and his friendship with Vice President Joe Biden became known as one of the most iconic bromances in America. During an interview with Buzzfeed, Obama and Biden made friendship bracelets for each other. Throughout the eight years Obama and his family lived in the White House, America watched his two daughters, Sasha and Malia, grow up and witnessed his wife Michelle thrive with efforts to improve America for kids.

Former President Barack Obama has been out of the presidential office for almost two years now and many have been wondering what he and his family are up to.

His oldest daughter, Malia Ann, 19, is currently following in her parents’ footsteps by attending Harvard University. His youngest daughter, Sasha, 16, attends school at Sidwell Friends School as a junior.

Michelle is still continuing her efforts to improve America. Recently, she hosted an event for school counselors and has been on the Ellen DeGeneres show to talk about her new book Becoming. In her book, she talks about the struggles she endured living on the south side of Chicago and her journey as she grew up to the powerful and inspiring woman she is today.  

Since being out of office, Obama and his wife have been on vacation to the British Virgin Islands where they went kitesurfing, visited London, and went on a tour with a luxury resort in French Polynesia and saw Milan and Tuscany in Italy. His whole family went to Indonesia, where they experienced the culture in Bali, Central Java, and Yogyakarta.

After taking a hiatus from the limelight, Obama returned to make important speeches for impressionable youth in Chicago and spoke at a fundraiser event for the Beau Biden foundation. The foundation was created in honor of Joe Biden’s son who passed away after being diagnosed with cancer.

Obama left the White House with plans to make a difference where it all started for him: Chicago. Here he plans to build The Obama Presidential Center, which consists of three buildings located in Jackson Park that holds a museum, a restaurant, a library, a public garden, and an auditorium. The campus will create thousands of new jobs and revitalize the south side of Chicago. The main goal of the campus is to spread good in the community.

Unlike most former presidents, Obama struggles to untangle himself from politics. He continues with efforts to help better America, one step at a time.