Dear Barack Obama,

I’d like to open this letter with simply, Thank you.

Thank you for the eight years of kindness and tolerance that you and your family have shown the world. Not many people can do what you did, and nobody can live up to you in my eyes. You showed us all that no matter what, don’t let people kick you around, not to let others bully you. You showed the United States and the world that we are all the same, no matter how you want to spin it. I am deeply appreciative of that, but there’s so much more to be thankful for.

You taught a lot of young black kids that anything is possible, for anyone. This generation, growing up with a Black president, was one of the best things that I think has ever happened to America as a whole. You let everyone know that whatever you set your mind to, you can make it happen. Forget the questioning and the trials of what life is throwing at you, and just thrive. That’s what you really taught everyone and for that, I am honestly eternally grateful.

But we can’t forget your wife, Michelle, she showed so many young girls that you can be tough while still being humble in the end. We can’t look past the way she stayed by your side all through the eight years while still helping to raise two very sweet children. Everything that she has done to inspire us to fight for what we want, “When they go low, we go high.” Shows us just how to maintain our dignity in a time of crisis and need, and for all of this, she has been the best First Lady of the United States.

And for everything else, you have and always will be the Best President of the United States.

Thank for everything,

A black girl who now knows anything is possible