Dear Mr. and Mrs. Obama,

I'll keep it short and sweet, I know you're both very busy. First of all, thank you for the eight years that you have both been working toward the progress and betterment of our country. I can honestly say that the changes you've made in the interests of all the people of America have gone beyond anything I could ever have imagined.

Though I was only eleven or twelve when you took office, Mr. Obama, I knew that something was different. As a child can usually tell when something is going wrong, I could tell that something had gone very right. My hope from the beginning was that you could do something big. Anything, just something, some sort of progress. You have done more for the earth, the LGBTQ community, the economy, women's health, the list goes on and on, than I ever let myself dare to hope for. You've proven that the things I care about are important, and you've taken steps to make the changes necessary to appropriately address several of these issues. You have actively shown your determination to make America and the world a better place. Though I wish I could say that I voted for you in real life voting, I would like to point out that in our middle school pretend election, I did vote for you. So, you're welcome. And thank you.

Mrs. Obama, tearing up as I write this, no woman in politics has ever inspired me more than you have. Growing up I watched as you advocated for healthy school lunches, more active youth, and the value of a good education. I must admit that before you and your husband moved into the white house, I didn't really look up to anyone in politics because I was a kid, and I would rather have read or played with my friends than paid attention to whoever was doing whatever in the giant house that was white. But something changed with you guys; I started paying attention, and caring about things and issues, developing into who I am today throughout your husband's years in office. As our First Lady, you have demonstrated class, fun, determination, kindness, and hope. What I would give to meet you and just give you a big hug, because no words can truly express how grateful I am for you being who you are and inspiring me to be true to myself.

I know I am young. I am a music student in college that can just barely afford tuition. I never imagined myself to be capable of the things that I've accomplished so far, but your message of working hard and perseverance has encouraged me along the way to try my hardest and not give up on myself when things get tough. And even though I probably won't be able to change much by myself, you both have given me the strength and courage to dare to hope and work for a better future, and think beyond the worries of today.

Sincerely,

Kate