Dear Bernie Sanders,

From the beginning of your presidential campaign to your endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president, I have supported you and admired your determination to do what's right. I have worn your "Students for Bernie" t-shirts, I have adhered your "Feel the Bern" stickers to my laptop and water bottle and, most importantly, I have believed in you. So, this is a letter to say thank you.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to your beliefs.

Even when it seemed like you were the only one advocating for gay rights, a higher minimum wage, easy access to abortion, stricter gun laws, and many other ideas ahead of your time, you still fought for what you believed was right. You have shown us all that we should stand up for what we believe in, even if we're standing alone.

Thank you for starting the conversation on so many important issues.

Some may say that free college tuition for public and community colleges is a crazy idea, but every idea is crazy until it actually happens. By bringing free tuition and so many other groundbreaking ideas to the public's attention, you were able to make a difference. There may not be debt-free students in the next five years, or even the next ten, but you have sparked the fire that will one day ignite a monumental flame.

Thank you for valuing and inspiring the young voters.

The youth vote, which is composed of 18-24 year olds, usually doesn't play a large role in an election. But, by talking about issues that will affect us in the near future, when we are running the country, you stimulated an interest in politics among young voters. You showed the young people that their opinions do matter, and we have the power to change the world for the better.

Thank you for being you.

If it weren't for a humble senator from Vermont running for President of the United States, none of this could have happened. You fought until the end, and for that, I admire you.

Come this November when it's time for me to cast my vote for the leader of the free world, even though your name won't be on that ballot, I will do what I can to elect the next-best choice, whomever that may be. And even though you won't be in the Oval Office, I'm sure that we have not seen the last of you.

Sincerely,

An Inspired Millennial