Dear Susan B. Anthony,

On November 5th of 1872 you, and fifteen other brave women, cast ballots in the United States presidential election. Two weeks later you alone were arrested, tried and found guilty of illegal voting.

Your arrest sparked outcry within the hearts of women across the globe, but your efforts towards the women's suffrage movement were well in motion far before your detainment.

Susan B. Anthony, you were one of thousands of women from 1848-1920 who lobbied for women's rights. Women across the globe were beaten, imprisoned, and outcasted from society for simply requesting to be considered equal as their male counterparts in the eyes of the law.

On August 18, 1920, 14 years after your death, American women would gain the right to vote.

This week on November 8th, 2016, I, along with 59 million other Americans voted to elect the first female U.S president. Regardless of the outcome, it is to you and the thousands of other suffragettes that I say, thank you.

Thank you for your fearless protests, your voice that yelled louder than the pessimists, and your dedication to hold the United States to the standards upon which it was built. Thank you for dedicating your life to suffrage, so today I can not only vote, but cast a ballot for the first female president.

Because of you and countless other women, someday, some woman will become the first female leader of the United States of America. We aren't sure where she is, or what she's doing now, but someday (hopefully soon) she will take her place in office.

Although the 2016 election was grueling, exasperating, and seemed to crack the country in half; in your honor I will not turn to hatred for justice. I will not riot, spread animosity, or preach resentment. Hatred breeds only hatred.

I instead will continue to voice my beliefs loudly and fiercely. Like you, and thousands of other women did so many years ago. So when the first woman takes presidential office, she is not only honoring you, but women everywhere.

Never stop believing that fighting for what is right is worth it- Hilary Clinton

Stay Gold, Kayla