Michelle Obama [1] has made it her mission, officially and unofficially, to inspire girls in America as well as around the world. As first lady, she has launched several initiatives [2] to motivate young people, like fitness campaign Let's Move and her education efforts with Reach Higher, which encourages youth to pursue an education past high school.

Although these focus on American children, her goals are global, too. Michelle's Let Girls Learn [3] initiative is meant to help girls around the world get an education since young women are too often discouraged from staying in school. In June, Michelle took her daughters to Africa and Europe [4] to empower the girls there. She also inspires outside of her initiatives through efforts like meeting with military children and hosting kids at her garden.

Thanks to her endeavors, the first lady has continuously served as a role model while simultaneously making us smile [5], and here are 22 photos to prove it. See, her husband Barack isn't the only one who's good with kids [6].

When she welcomed British students to a Let Girls Learn event at an all-girls' school in London

When she bonded with a child during the military appreciation White House Independence Day party

When she showed off her dancing skills visiting a school in Mexico

When she shook hands with a young girl while on a trip commemorating a 1998 bombing in Tanzania

When she donated gifts to children for the Marine Corps' Toys For Tots Campaign on Christmas

When she wrote a book encouraging healthy eating and signed copies for young girls

When she held a young girl during the Democratic National Convention in 2012

When she celebrated Cinco de Mayo at a Latin American charter school

When she accepted a flower during the same Hispanic heritage event

When she hugged a young girl during a White House Christmas party for military families

When she bonded with children in South Africa as a part of her youth outreach work in 2011

When she read holiday stories with girls at the National Tree Lighting ceremony

When she encouraged kids to drink more water every day

When she met the children of injured servicemen and women (a prince was there, too)

When she sang "Happy Birthday" to a White House employee's daughter

When she had snack time with a table of girls at a YMCA in Virginia

When she was a confidant at a Let's Move event in Miami

When she taught Girl Scouts the meaning of a green thumb

When she did Zumba with Mario Lopez and young girls, confirming exercise can be fun

When she played the tambourine with a young girl in Mumbai

When she held a baby while helping kids make crafts during a Mother's Day event for military moms

When had an epic group hug during her visit to a school in Mexico City