Former First Lady Michelle Obama was in Dorchester on Saturday encouraging young women of color at the Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club to dream big. Obama made the stop before heading to the TD Garden arena to promote her new memoir, “Becoming,” as part of her 10-city tour. The book mostly focuses on her life — from growing up on Chicago’s South Side, to her time in the White House.

At the clubhouse on Talbot Avenue, Obama spoke with young woman involved with the Black Girls Rock, a women’s empowerment and mentorship organization. While the round table discussion focused on goals and dreams, the former first lady told the college-aged women that it is also necessary to explore.

“I didn’t realize that life would take so many zigs and zags and turns. And that’s the journey. I had to grow up and learn not to be afraid of those swerves, as I call them,” Obama said.

During the discussion, young women, like 17-year-old Nalany Guerrier, asked questions about success.

“I think that it’s important that young women of color realize that their voices are important and gain a little bit more inspiration,” Guerrier said.

This story first appeared on the website of WBUR 90.9FM on Nov. 26. The Reporter and WBUR have a partnership in which the two news organizations share content.