I remember my mom and I running into her room and then staring at CNN on the television. I was not sure what was happening at the time, but I knew it was something important, something was happening. My mom's anxious face then broke out into a beautiful smile. She began laughing and jumping up and down, so I did too. I turned to look at the screen and in big letters it said, "Barack Obama to be next President of the United States." What my 8-year-old self did not know at that moment was that this was one of the biggest moments in American history.

America has been established since 1776, but only until 2008 did we have our first African-American president. When my mind finally grasped that a man with the same skin color as me held the most powerful position in America, I felt like this created so many opportunities for me. I used to think that being black limited me from growing up to become whatever I wanted. Although I may face obstacles along the path to achieving my dreams, I understand that my goals are attainable.

Even more than shattering a racial barrier, Obama did so much during his presidency. He ordered the closing of Guantánamo Bay, pushed through a $787 billion economic stimulus bill, and began the work to provide health coverage to 46 million Americans. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, and his presidency transformed America.

I'm so thankful that I was able to see the first African-American president be elected into office. Not only has his presidency inspired millions across the world, but he has broken a barrier.