Dear Mr. President,
I’m not one for politics, let’s set that straight. When the topic comes up around the dinner table, I prefer to stay quiet. However, once I do start to participate, I am a force to be reckoned with. Through the last eight years, I have let my voice be heard through the courage and hope I developed with you as my president. I know you have received numerous thank you’s and countless correspondences. In fact, I still have your response to the letter I sent to you as a 12-year-old concerned about gun laws in the wake of the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado. I would like to use this as my last thank you to you. A response to your farewell letter, and a reflection of what I personally saw these last eight years.
I would like to start off by saying thank you for these last eight years. You helped me become more aware of the country and world I live in. With the guidance of dedicated educators and a nurturing family, I was able to develop my own opinions, express my own thoughts and fight my own battles to seek justice for what I believe is just and fair.
As you dealt with the worst economic crisis in any of our lifetimes, I watched my parents work twice as hard as they ever had to. You spent countless hours trying to make things better, and they spent countless hours trying to make ends meet. My parents pushed themselves to the limit to ensure my siblings and I had food in our stomachs, clothes on our backs and a roof over our heads. Through you and my parents, I learned the value of hard work, as well as the pride and humility associated with it.
As you attended the graduation of Captain Kristen Griest and 1st Lieutenant Shayne Haver from the Army Ranger School, I beamed from ear to ear. During your presidency, women in the military were allowed permanent jobs in ground units and the ban on women serving combat roles was lifted. A new breed of women evolved.
A breed of women who were not afraid to show their strength, both physically and mentally, persistence and bravery came into the limelight and set the perfect example of a role model for younger girls. The traits these women possessed and are demonstrating for the future generations are the traits that will get us through the upcoming years as we face change.
Through your medical plan, I watched my friends and their family’s get through some of the toughest times of their lives. Whether it be major surgeries or prolonged illness, your plan made it affordable and easy to get the best care for their loved ones. Your medical plan made preventive care more accessible to those who needed it most.
In the last eight years, I watched the country unite in times of prosperity as well as tragedy. I’ve witnessed episodes of outstanding kindness from all types of people, regardless of race, age, gender and religion. In times of despair, I watched as my community came together to help each other. I watched as people across the country leant a helping hand whenever and wherever it was needed. These acts of filled me with an overwhelming feeling of hope and the reassurance that there is support at every turn.
I will take the lessons and observations from the last eight years and hold them close as I prepare for the upcoming years. In times of darkness, I will let these be my light to guide me, a beacon of hope, a reminder that there can still be good in the world if we allow it. I am a better woman, scholar and a larger voice thanks to you.
Mr. President, you were the “Change We Can Believe In,” and the “Change We Need.” You gave this country “Hope.” You told out people, “Yes We Can!” Yes, we did, and it was through the lessons that were made possible through your presidency.
Farewell, Mr. President.
