On Tuesday, January 10, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois, President Obama took the stage wearing eight years worth of servitude on his face to give his final address to the American people before making way for President-elect, Donald Trump. As the words "My fellow Americans..." left his lips my eyes welled with tears knowing it was the last time those words would be spoken and backed with such class, elegance, and unwavering respect for us, the American people, and democracy.

The crowd looked at him in a way words will never be able to accurately describe. In the eyes of many, there were tears. In the eyes of all, there was gratitude. Gratitude for what he had accomplished during his time in the White House. Gratitude for instilling the belief that they, the people, matter. Gratitude for being the class act he and his family are. Above all, gratitude that they were lucky enough to have lived during the Presidency of Barack Obama.

"If I told you 8 years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history...If I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran's nuclear weapons program without even firing a shot, taking out the mastermind of 9/11...If I had told you we would win marriage equality and secure the right to health insurance to another 20 million of our fellow citizens...If I had told you all that, you might have said our sights were set a little too high. But that's what we did. That's what you did."

One of the most beautiful things about President Obama's speech was that he truly acknowledged all Americans. Minorities, immigrants, women, and yes, middle-aged white men. He stressed how important it is for us to step outside of ourselves and see other perspectives because "Democracy does not require uniformity." This stood out to me as a liberal feminist, as I have often made this group the target of my anger, especially in politics. However, it's evident that media sources can be to blame for this rigid divide in how we think and treat each other when we disagree.

He noted that a middle-aged white man on "the outside might seem like he's got some advantages, but has seen his world upended by the economic, cultural, and technological change. We have to pay attention." It is the beauty of democracy that we don't agree with one another. That each of us brings different ideas to the table based on our own experiences. It is vital that we surround ourselves with people who respectfully disagree with us and challenge our assumptions instead of just catering to our own beliefs. We cannot, as he says, retreat to our "bubbles."

What's important is that we listen to each other and respect each other. We must educate ourselves and check where and how we are privileged because it is our duty as citizens. If we want to change, this is how change happens. Being at each other's throats all of the time is not going to make this country successful.

Tears had managed to stay in my eyes at this point, but soon began streaming down my face as he continued, "For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crowe didn't suddenly vanish in the 60s. That when minority groups voice discontent they're not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing 'political correctness'. When they wage peaceful protests they're not demanding special treatment, but the equal treatment that our founders promised."

It was from this point on that my emotions got the best of me. I didn't know why that particular point sent me over the edge as I was watching. As I reflect on it now, I realize it's because that is an ideal I have held close to my heart for as long as I could remember. It is why I'm a passionate feminist. It is I have participated in the protest. It is why I write.

I want to educate. I want to help others understand without attacking them because it is through educating and being empathetic that we, as a country, will prosper. I think it was an all too appropriate subject matter to address as our country moves forward and I think that is why this point seemed to be the one that stood out.

We must continue to fight against racism, sexism, and all other injustices that arise but do so in a way that would make Obama proud. "Laws alone are not enough. Hearts must change." If we do that, we'll be able to get through the next four years with our heads held high, our dignity intact, and our love for our country and fellow citizens wore proudly in the change we bring.

"We rise and fall as one."

Thank You, Obama. For Everything.