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

My experiences at Princeton have made me far more aware of my 'blackness' than ever before.

I've always been a closet jock, but when I got married and had kids, that fell by the wayside.

It is my hope that our garden's story-and the stories of gardens across America-will inspire families, schools, and communities to try their own hand at gardening and enjoy all the gifts of health, discovery, and connection a garden can bring.

And I love that even in the toughest moments, when we're all sweating it - when we're worried that the bill won't pass, and it seems like all is lost - Barack never lets himself get distracted by the chatter and the noise. Just like his grandmother, he just keeps getting up and moving forward... with patience and wisdom, and courage and grace.

I think that mentoring is such a critical part of the role I can play in my 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.

I believe that each of us-no matter what our age or background or walk of life-each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation.