Betty Ford: The First Lady

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Betty Ford was just like any other woman, however she aspired to do something different than a traditional homemaker. She wanted to make an impact in life, and she eventually did as another great First Lady. As a young woman, Betty was inspired by three dear women,her mother, her dance instructor at Calla Travis Dance Studio, and the famous Eleanor Roosevelt. “..the incumbent First Lady belief that she had the right to express opinions independent of the President and her shaping the First Lady role to match her individualism caught young Betty Ford’s attention and she found it to be healthy.” (FirstLadies.org) Betty grew up and lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For employment, Betty modeled for a local department store, as well as opened up her own dance studio, where she instructed children. (FirstLadies.org) …show more content…

First, to a traveling salesman, William Gustavus Warren, who she soon divorced, in light of an abusive relationship. Next, in 1948, she married Gerald R. Ford, and instantly became a politician’s wife. As the wife of a congressman, she had a certain reputation to uphold.Therefore, she immersed herself in learning various aspects of the political process. Additionally, she joined the 81st Congress Club and the National Federation of Republican Women (fordlibrarymusuem.gov). Equally important, Betty acted as both mother and father of the Ford children, during her husband’s travels. Unfortunately, this responsibility is usually characterized as “parent”. Not to mention underrated. According to Betty Ford Biography, Betty also engaged in unpaid jobs such as, “Cub Scout den mother, a Sunday school teacher at the family’s Emmanual-on-the-Hill Episcopal Church, a member of the Parent Teacher Association, and as driver to Little League baseball games for her sons and dance class for her daughter.” Finally, Betty was a volunteer for various charitable organizations, acting as Program Director of the Alexandria Cancer Fund

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