All Grown Up: Malia Obama Through The Years (3 of 9)

She graduated from the prestigious Sidwell Friends School in 2016

When the Obamas moved to the White House, they chose Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. for Malia and Sasha. Known for its prestigious education, the school has a history of hosting presidential children, including Tricia Nixon Cox and Chelsea Clinton, as well as current president Joe Biden’s granddaughter, Maisy. At Malia’s graduation, security measures were heightened, requiring tickets for entry due to the presence of the first family. But for the most part, the school aimed to maintain normalcy, with no special treatment for the Obamas. Phronie Jackson, whose child was a member of Malia’s graduation class, emphasized the school’s efforts to keep things hassle-free for all attendees, telling The Washington Post, “There’s no hoopla around the first family here.”

Malia has taken full advantage of her Spanish-speaking skills

Malia, a frequent traveler with her parents, used her language skills to aid her dad. On a 2016 trip to Cuba, she seamlessly translated for President Obama, highlighting his own playful admission of limited Spanish. Although no longer in the White House, Malia’s fluency continued to shine during her 2017 gap year in South America, where she participated in an 83-day educational program. A guide on a five-day trek had nothing but kind words about the former First Daughter, praising her humility, conversational Spanish, and willingness to share chores alongside other program participants. Despite her background, Malia embraced the experience like any other adventurer, making it clear she did not want to be treated any differently just because of her famous last name.