Dear Secretary Clinton,

A few short months ago, I had planned to skip school on January 20, 2017 to hitch a ride by train to the nation’s capitol alongside two of my best friends. The occasion is obvious – we were overcome with excitement over the prospect of witnessing the inauguration of America’s first female president.

As can be expected, these plans fell through on the eve of November 8, as my two friends and I watched in awe as the most unexpected outcome became reality. While I came to terms with the result months ago, it is not so much the fact that Donald Trump will be my president that upsets me rather than the fact that you, Hillary Rodham Clinton, will not be that still kills me inside.

I can only imagine how you feel, or will feel, as you sit just a few short feet away from the President-elect as he officially takes the position you so deeply desired.

What could-have- beens will be running through the minds of us all, and the disappointment will once again surface in our hearts.

However, I want to say thank you.

Thank you for your passion, your resilience and your dedication to public service. Others may not have, and very well will never, see the same Hillary that I, and 65 million others, fell in love with, but we would not be the same today without you. As someone who became interested in politics just shortly before this election cycle, you instilled in me a sense of duty and a desire to serve.

You gave me hope – the same hope Barack Obama infused in the hearts of millions of Americans when I was just 9 years old.

I would have loved to see the woman I admire greatly assume the office she was so dutifully prepared for, but I also know that your efforts have gone anything but to waste. As so many stated after the election, and you yourself in your concession speech, somewhere out there is the first woman president; behind every barrier-breaker is a pioneer who paved the way to their victory. Many famous historical figures admirably serve as either-or, but you have been a barrier-breaker and a pioneer.

I can already envision the victory speech that will be recited by the first female President-elect and I can only imagine the recognition that you will receive within it. The campaign may long be over, and it’s quite possible you are ready to begin your golden years, but never forget that your legacy will last for eternity.

Thank you, Hillary. I speak for many when I say we are eternally grateful.

Love always,

A Millennial