12 Ways Michelle Obama Still Worked Her Ass Off in 2018

"It will be a place to learn, connect, and have some fun," Michelle announced on Instagram. "The South Side will finally have a sledding hill, a vegetable garden like the one we had at the White House, and other attractions for Chicagoans and visitors from around the world to enjoy."

Michelle surprised a Chicago school counselor when she presented her with the school counselor of the year award in February. "To Kristen and every counselor and educator in this country: I hope you all know that you have far more influence on our children than people they don't even know in places far away," Michelle said.

In February, Michelle stopped by the show to talk to Ellen about what she's been up to since leaving the White House and finally revealed what was in that infamous box Melania Trump gave her on Inauguration Day.

After much anticipation, Michelle released a new memoir titled Becoming in November. In the book, Michelle spoke candidly about everything from her time in the White House to her family life.

At the February event, Michelle delivered a powerful speech about how everyday people can make a difference in the world. "We give too much credit to leadership. We wait for some leader to tell us what to do," Michelle said. "These problems aren't solved by a man. It is not a leader. It is us. We have more power to change the way people think, to change the way we treat everybody, to change the way people see us in the world, by the actions we take every single day."

Michelle sat down with pal Tracee Ellis Ross in May, and they talked about everything from Michelle's "mom face" to how women can do better by each other. "We're still at that stage where we're trying to figure out what it means to be women," Michelle said. "Sorry, in light of this last election, I'm concerned about us as women and how we think about ourselves and each other and what's really going on. I think more about what is going on in our heads where we let that happen, you know? When the most qualified person running was a woman, and look what we did instead."

In June, the former first lady shared some important words of advice for college-bound students at the fifth annual summit. "Here's the advice I'd give you: don't do this in isolation. Find your community. Find a community for yourself, whether that's through sports or it's a cultural organization or a minority group," Michelle said. "College wasn't meant to do alone."

Michelle had the honor of kicking off the annual conference during the opening session in June. In her speech, Michelle spoke about her family and the importance of finding your voice and self-worth. "Barack and I knew very early that we would be measured by a different yardstick," she explained. "Making mistakes was not an option for us. Not that we didn't make mistakes, but we had to be good — no, we had to be outstanding — at everything we did . . . when you're the first, you're the one that's laying the red carpet down for others to follow."

In addition to announcing the first-ever When We All Vote Week of Action, Michelle encouraged Americans to register and vote by attending rallies, sharing her own voting story, and launching her #VotingSquad campaign.

In honor of International Day of the Girl, Michelle made a special appearance on the Today show in October, where she launched the project to help empower adolescent girls worldwide through education.

In November, Michelle spent time and read with kids at the Para Los Niños Tina and Rick Caruso Early Education Center. "As one of the few early childhood centers in Skid Row, we work with some of the most vulnerable children and families in Los Angeles," Para Los Niños CEO Drew Furedi said. "A visit from former First Lady Michelle Obama is such an honor for us, and so inspiring for our students to set goals and instill the love of reading for life."

Following the release of Becoming, Michelle embarked on a book tour around the world, popping up in her hometown of Chicago, LA, and the UK. During her stop in London, the former first lady finally met Meghan Markle after the royal stopped by Michelle's engagement at the Southbank Centre.

"They spoke at length about the importance of supporting and empowering women across all cultures and communities," People reported. "They also talked about shared experiences of pregnancy and raising children, plus shared causes including girls' education."

Michelle's book tour will continue into 2019 and will include stops in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and France.