I wasn’t old enough to vote for you in 2008. In fact, I was only 13. I hadn’t discovered myself or my passions, I hadn’t realized my sexuality and I hadn’t realized the true state of America. At the time, I didn’t know how lucky I was to witness the inauguration of America’s first African American president, to have the chance to grow into an adult during your presidency. I had no idea that your ideas would help shape me into the woman I am today. If it weren’t for you, I probably wouldn’t be a feminist. I probably wouldn’t advocate for mental health awareness, women’s rights or racial equality without you. I wouldn’t love to read as much as I do, and I probably wouldn’t have majored in English if it weren’t for you. I could’ve gone my entire life without finding my passions: literature, advocacy and making everyone, and I mean everyone, feel loved, accepted and safe. I wouldn’t have started a blog. Even though that may seem small and insignificant, blogging is helping me find my voice, and while I don’t see myself ever having as large of an impact on the world as you have, I do dream of bringing about even just a fraction of the happiness and acceptance that you have. I’ve learned so much from you, and I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done not only for me but for our country. Thank you for planting a seed of hope in my mind, heart and soul. I promise to nurture it as you’ve nurtured me over the years, and I promise to never give up hope. Thank you for showing me that I can—and will.