Dear Mr. (former) President,

As I write this the night before the inauguration of our 45th president, I can't help but feel sad as I prepare to watch you leave the White House.

It's crazy how fast 8 years can go by, because it seems like they were here for only a few minutes. I remember the day you took office vividly. It was 2009, and my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Bohn, had the inauguration on for our class to watch on the box TV that hung from the corner of her room. I remember her explaining how everything worked and what the oath of office meant, but most importantly I remember her saying how we'd be able to tell our own kids one day that we watched the first African American president of the United States get sworn into office. At the time, I didn't realize how important that inauguration was, but looking back 8 years later as a freshman in college, it's something that I'll never forget for as long as I live.

I can't put into words how grateful I am that I grew up under your leadership of this country. You taught us how to be accepting of people different than us, you taught us to laugh through the hard times, and you taught us that even the President of the United States doesn't always have to be serious.

For 8 years, you brought nothing but class, grace and respect into the White House. 8 years with no scandals, 8 years of progression and 8 years of making the White House not only your house, but also the people's house.

Thank you for fighting and continuing to fight for what is right. I pray that my kids will get to grow up under the leadership of someone that has the same class and character as you do.

There will never be another president like you and I am heartbroken to see you leave, but I'm so glad I got to witness everything that you are.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.