Michelle Again Speaks 'From the Heart' on the Personal Satisfaction of Public Service

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez MonsivaisOur First Lady spoke personally from her own life experience, in comments this afternoon, before about 250 employees of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency tasked with managing public service programs.

"I had to ask myself whether, if I died tomorrow, would I want this to be my legacy, working in a corporate firm, working for big companies," Michelle stated to the group. "And when I asked myself the question, the resounding answer was, absolutely not."

In Mrs. Obama's case, she left her high-paying job as a corporate attorney at a prestigious law firm, to found the Chicago branch of the AmeriCorps service program.

Personally, I find this decision an excellent example of Michelle's commitment to walking her own talk and staying true to her ideals and values.

The vast majority of us wouldn't walk away from the money, status and visibility that she had at her law firm. This decision speaks to her character long before she became first lady.

Today Michelle praised the $5.7 billion national service bill, signed by her husband, last month. Associated Press reports that the bill triples the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expands ways for students to earn money for college by helping those in their neighborhoods.

For past reading on Michelle, public service and her involvement in AmeriCorps, read an earlier ADG: Michelle Obama on Youth and Public Service