Former first lady Michelle Obama and Zaya Wade exchanged touching words on Thursday during their Zoom meeting.
During Zaya’s sit down with Mrs. Obama on Thursday, she asked the former first lady turned author and podcaster what her advice for teens who wanted to thrive while being themselves was. The bestselling “Becoming” author was sure to let the young trendsetter know how much she admired her for the courage she has displayed despite adversity.
“I am just so proud of you, you know, being just an amazing role model and embracing your truth, right?” Mrs. Obama told Zaya before adding, “It does take time to know what yourself is, for young people. So, my first piece of advice is, be patient with yourself, No. 1.”
The 13-year-old revealed that she identifies as transgender in early 2020, which sparked much conversation. Retired basketball star Dwayne Wade and Zaya’s stepmother Gabrielle Union expressed their support for her soon after.
Mrs. Obama went on to reassure Zaya that she does not have life figured it out yet.
“You’re not supposed to know yet. Your job now as a teenager is not to have it all figured out but to give yourself space and time to learn and grow. So that means you want to try a lot of things on.”
Zaya said that getting different perspectives from others who are not like her has helped her in “becoming me and defining her truth.”
