"Change."
In 2008, this simple yet powerful word was seen by everyone in America, including my innocent, naïve, nine-year-old self. No matter how much I played outside or immersed myself in coloring, these messages were inescapable. Little did I know that behind this word stood an Illinois senator eager to make an impact on the world we knew now and later.
From the hardworking, middle class to the well-off upper class, your actions impacted all Americans across the board. And despite numerous criticisms from your strongest opponents, you continued on against the powerful current of hate.
If I were to list all the impacts that you had on America, I might have written a research paper. I just want to say the ways that you've impacted me, and possibly many of the same age, as president.
You gave me strength.
In the short time I've been here on Earth, I've experienced a large amount of challenges internally and externally. Through these hard times, I look to my parents, my siblings, and you for inspiration.
Over time, your hair grayed and your skin aged, but the fire in your eyes has yet to go out. If you have had the God-given ability to stay strong in such a significant role, I thought, I must have the strength somewhere inside of me to take on whatever the game of life throws at me. Your influence has paid off, with me taking on bigger roles than I have ever thought possible.
You gave me a chance.
During the first year of your presidency, I experienced one of the most frightening and impactful events of my entire young life. My entire family moved from Tennessee to Texas, and I had to start a whole new life. In this new place, I felt alienated and separated from everyone else.
Unlike most presidents, an air of complacency and pure genuineness followed you wherever you went. And with this persona you made astounding impacts, changing the world's view of the United States of America. Your homely demeanor made me feel welcome in this large country.
I felt that your actions have opened doors to places that I would not have considered living under another Commander-in-Chief. As a result, I felt welcome growing up as a child in America, especially during a time in which I felt welcomed by almost no one.
You gave me hope.
Unlike many African-American before me, I grew up without the fear of being underestimated because of the color of my skin. I grew up without the worry of not being ostracized because of the color of my skin. I grew up without the fact of my dreams being crushed because of the color of my skin. Much of this is thanks to you and others in African-American history.
Your triumphs and perils proved to me one important lesson that will stay in my thoughts for a lifetime: there is always tomorrow. No matter how difficult my life may be today, I will always look ahead towards tomorrow.
As you pass the torch to the new president, the values and successes that you worked so hard to ingrain in the country will remain. Growing up in an America with a president like you, I feel that there is hope for my generation.
Never did I think that I would come to love a man I had never even met so much. I will never forget you, and the ideals that worked so hard to protect in the United States of America will forever be prevalent in the nation's future. No matter who passes through the White House years down the road, your legacy will forever stand strong rooted in those who grew up under your presidency.
Thank you.
