Dear Mr. President,

Admittedly I will confess that in 2008, even in 2012, I was not your biggest fan. I fiercely advocated for stances that would have personally hurt me, people like me, along with some of my family members and closest friends. I advocated for tax cuts, not even remotely having an understanding of the impact that would have on me (adversely, mind you). I advocated, shamelessly, for pro-life and conservative movements; I considered myself by no means to be a Democrat.

I am not ashamed of my old stances or beliefs. In fact, they have helped me to better understand the turmoil that allowed this year’s election to go the way that it did.

Never in my lifetime did I think that I would be so vehemently against a candidate as I was, and quite honestly, continue to be against Donald Trump. In studying Political Science, and ultimately switching my focus to creative writing, I took great interest in Donald’s hateful rhetoric: it opened my eyes to the world around me. Instead of becoming immersed in the message he was putting forth, I became a smarter consumer of information. I started looking around me and taking note of injustices n my community and in the country. My heart grew heavy seeing the day in and day out oppression of people unlike me.

I want to thank you,

Firstly, while you were not my choice, I believe you were what our nation needed. You mended decade old wounds, helped push a progressive agenda (with gentle albeit, much needed nudging). You saw our country through the dark times of recession, helped lower the unemployment rate, and brought renewable energy to the forefront of American conversation. Slowly but surely, as 2016 rolled around, I saw myself becoming more and more sad knowing that there was no new “you” on the way.

I am honored and humbled by your grace and dignity, especially during this difficult and befuddling transitional time. You have taught all of us to be understanding of differences in opinion, and you have spoken to and taught tolerance.

I have no other words besides: I will miss you, Barry.

You have surprised me time and time again. You have impressed me. You have been an exceptional President, and whatever happens in these next four years, your gains will not be forgotten.

You have inspired me to better understand and educate myself, to look at things from every angle, and to live outside of the microscope. It is because of you that I am who I am today. Thank you for not giving up, for being a kind and copacetic leader, and for investing in our future.

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye, Mr. President.

As an American people, we owe it, at the very least, to you. We should spend 2017, and the following years, working to better understand each other.

Here’s to;

Breaking the barriers. Ending the stereotypes. Calling all citizens to be patriots for peace.

Sincerely,

Kali Cavanagh