Thank you, President Barack Hussein Obama. You have served as President of the United States of America for eight long years, and I thank you with all my heart for your service. I was 10 years old when you became the Democratic nominee in 2008. I watched as you inspired adults throughout America. You spoke with vigour, youth and enthusiasm. To this day, I remember hearing you speak through my TV, not fully understanding what was happening but I loved listening to your voice. Your vocabulary soared over my head and yet I found a sort of comfort, inspiration and pride with every word. I looked upon your smiling, young face and I saw a leader; I saw my President. My mom was reading your book, The Audacity of Hope and I asked her who the man on the cover was, and she explained that you were running for President. I then replied that I would vote for you because I liked your name, my mom replied with a chuckle and stated “And that’s why children can’t vote.” Looking back now, I find it quite interesting that I as a child liked your name and yet your name has been the root of much criticism throughout your administration. I grew up looking to you as a symbol of the United States. I watched as you met every critique and ridicule with grace, power, restraint and control. As I reached the end of my high school career I had decided to major in politics and government and I realized that I wanted to make change, the same change you spoke of in your 2008 campaign and throughout your administration.

I honestly have no recollection of the Bush administration that served our nation prior to yours, so in terms of awareness you have been my only president. History class after history class teaches us the triumphs and disappointments of each presidential administration, and I am so incredibly proud that my children will learn about you, President Obama and I will be able to talk about my own reflection on these last eight years. Regardless of political association or affiliation, I believe that your family has served as America’s first family with indistinguishable grace and elegance. I have never once felt ashamed that when the world thinks of the United States, they think of you; they think of President Barack Obama.

You have been at the forefront of economic crisis, mass shootings, international terrorism, Britain’s exit from the E.U, the Planned Parenthood debate and so much more. You have served as President through one of the most divisive and tumultuous eras in American history and never once faltered in showing the American people that we can indeed rise up. You have lived by the ideals of compassion, empathy, strength, and dedication. You have upheld American ideals, while pushing for progress against a sea of opposition.

I am not simply blind and naive as some may think when they read these words addressed to you. I am well aware that forever forward there will criticism and ways people believe your administration could have acted differently or responded better. However that kind of hypothetical analysis is not what you need to think of or read as you approach the end of your presidency. I can say with confidence and ease that you have served me and the United States of America well. Criticism is a part of democracy and a part of progress, but our farewell to you should be filled with thanks and remembrance.

I sat on my couch on January 10th and watched you give your Farewell Address. I felt the same sense of hope and pride I felt when I was 10. You told the nation that you see all of its citizens, and I feel as though you do see me. You spoke about progress, change and hope. You spoke to Americans of every age, race, gender, and sexuality. You thanked us, you thanked your staff, your wife, your children. You addressed us for the last time as President and showed us that you are a citizen beside us. I cried, not out of sadness but out of hope, determination and gratefulness. You spoke honestly of American ideals, and our duty to live by them, to respect them.

I could go on to list your many achievements and the impact your legacy will have on American history but once again I am

writing this letter to you, President Obama as my way to say thank you. Thank you for being my president. Thank you for representing change and hope when those things seemed obsolete and intangible. Thank you for reaching young Americans with your humor and relatability. Thank for being a father and husband and Commander in Chief. Thank you for taking an oath to protect and serve. Thank you for crying with the public in times of tragedy and heartbreak. Thank you, President Barack Obama for your service. You will be remembered and missed.