Earlier last week, President Obama delivered his farewell address from my home city of Chicago. Though I was unable to view it live, I watched it between classes the next day. Over a span of fifty minutes, I felt an array of emotions ranging from optimism to devastation, ultimately ending in despair.

How lucky are we, the American people, to have had such a gracious and compassionate man lead our country for the past eight years? As Obama’s time left in office quickly dwindles from days to hours, I can’t help but feel desperate to get a last word in regarding our forty-fourth president.

I’m not interested in discussing the controversy over Obama’s successor or the uncertain future awaiting our country. I, like so many others, simply wish to express my gratitude for the leader of our nation.

Over the last eight years, under Obama’s leadership and guidance, our country has prospered. As he reviewed in his speech, the progress we have over these two terms is remarkable when listed consecutively.

We created new jobs. We took out Osama bin Laden, the man behind 9/11. Millions of Americans secured healthcare insurance. We signed the Paris Agreement in an effort to combat climate change. Unemployment decreased significantly. We opened communications with Cuba. WE LEGALIZED SAME-SEX MARRIAGE.

And while he is adamant that these are all results of the efforts of the American people, they were all made possible with the support and guidance of our president.

The transformation of our country speaks for itself, yet the elegance and empathy President Obama exudes says so much more.

When asked about gender equality and women’s rights, he says, “We must carry forward the work of women who came before us and ensure our daughters have no limits on their dreams, no obstacles to their achievements and no remaining ceilings to shatter.”

When talking about same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights, he quotes, “…gays and lesbians and transgender persons are our brothers, our sisters, our children, our cousins, our friends, our co-workers, and that they’ve got to be treated like every other American.”

When discussing climate change and fossil fuels, he states, “Climate change is a fact. And when our children’s children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to say yes, we did.”

We have seen this man cry when our country is suffering. We have seen him laugh during lighthearted times. We have seen his intimate interactions with those close to him, such as First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. He has shown his commitment to the American people by welcoming us into his life with open arms.

To those who have doubted or still doubt our president’s competences, I challenge you to consider his character. Has he ever been untruthful? Has he ever deceived us or manipulated the system? Has he ever made one American feel less worthy than another? Has he not led our country with honor and integrity?

I have shed tears over American politics multiple times during these last few months. What’s worse than saying hello to a man you don’t respect, though, is saying goodbye to one you do. Obama’s farewell speech, while beautifully written and chock full of hopeful sentiments, brought on the reality that many of us have been avoiding: his time is over.

So, before these eight, long years draw to a close, I want to say this: Thank you, Mr. President. You were the first president of my adult life and you have set a high bar for all your successors. You have shown me that it is possible to remain firm in your beliefs while showing compassion for those with opposing viewpoints. I honor the husband, father, friend and leader you have proven yourself to be.

Yes we can and yes we will – all thanks to you.