Michelle Obama Writes College Recommendation Letter For 'Black-ish' Star Yara Shahidi

Having a glowing college recommendation letter is part of the process of getting into a good college. "Black-ish" star Yara Shahidi, 17, receives one that would be a dream for most high schoolers. None other than the former First Lady Michelle Obama did it for her, in support of her college aspirations.

Obama and Shahidi met during public speaking engagements about girl's education. The actress revealed Obama not only wrote her a college recommendation letter but also pushed her and gave her a backrub right before her AP exams, according to her exclusive interview via W Magazine.

"She is very amazing and such a supporter, which is something very surreal to say," Shadi said. The young star plans on getting a double major in college -- African American studies and sociology.

The 17-year-old actress, however, said she's taking a gap year after her high school graduation to focus on what path to take to ensure a solid future. "To have a year to focus on work and to focus on specified interests will be nice before I pick a career and choose what I want to study and my life path," Shahidi told People in October 2016.

Shahidi toured Harvard, Obama's law school alma mater, and sent in her college application. She also submitted applications at other top colleges in both the east and west coast.

If she goes to a university that's miles away from her work on "Black-ish" in Los Angeles, the actress might have to say goodbye to her comedy series. Shahidi plays the oldest daughter of Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross on the show.

"I don't know what that means for me at this moment, but I know that the creator of the show (Kenya Barris) supports me," she said. "Everybody on the show again supports how adamant I am about my education."