Michelle Obama talks mentorship, style, and finding Mr. Right

Wonderwall, Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 12:37pm (PDT)

By Melissa Hunter

In just nine months as the First Lady, Michelle Obama has risen to the occasion to become a major role model for young women all over the country. Glamour had the opportunity to interview Michelle for their Women of the Year issue (buy on newsstands Nov. 10th, or click here for the full article on Glamour's Web site) about mentorship for young women and how any woman can reach their individual goals.

Katie Couric conducted the interview for Glamour (so they could talk one-female-icon-on-one-female-icon) and she gives some interesting insight on how to be a proactive, happy, successful woman (who also happens to have impeccable style). And one tip if you ever have the chance to interact with the First Lady: Don't dare call her cute.

On the significance of mentorship for women:

"I think that mentoring is such a critical part of the role I can play in this position. I see how little bits of exposure and big bits of exposure really change my girls significantly, and I want that for more girls around the country and the world."

On not sitting around waiting for your mentor in shining armor:

"I was blessed throughout my entire career. I had people rooting for me. It started with my parents, but it extended to almost every teacher that I had. When I was a young lawyer, there were other women and men in the firm who took me under their wing. Look for those mentors, because sometimes mentors don't find you -- sometimes you seek them out. Oftentimes, they're flattered and glad to lend a hand."

On taking a lead from men and *gasp!* not putting yourself last as a woman:

"I have always tried to put my kids first, and then ... put myself a really close second, as opposed to fifth or seventh. One thing that I've learned from male role models is that they don't hesitate to invest in themselves."

On balancing fashion critics with sartorial individuality:

"People are always going to have opinions, and people have a right to their opinions, particularly when you're the First Lady; you're representing the nation. So I can't be surprised that people are interested. But I've tried to be at peace with the choices that I make first, and then be open to everyone else's reflection."

On what to look for in a man (she seems to have some cred in this department):

"Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, 'Who are you as a person?' Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul ... When you're dating a man, you should always feel good ... You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole."

It would also help if we could just clone some Baracks for all of us.

MORE ON GLAMOUR:

Highlights from Michelle Obama's glamour interview

Slideshow: Michelle Obama's most memorable style moments

How to get Michelle Obama's toned arms (no gym required)

MORE ON WONDERWALL:

Photos of Barack and the Obama clan

Celebrities at the White House Correspondent's Dinner

See Michelle and other notable commencement speakers this year