I was 17 at the time of the 2008 election. A mere two weeks shy of my 18th birthday, I was saddened that I was unable to vote in what was undoubtedly the most historic election of my lifetime, if not of all time. It was a moment many people thought they would never see, but there you emerged and made a dream a reality. There was something charismatic and charming about you. Just a young senator from Hawaii by way of Chicago, your huge smile and undying hope for our country, stole the hearts of millions of Americans including my own. You graciously captured people's attention with your poise and with speeches that left us in awe and tears by the end. There's a million things I can say to commemorate your presidency and your legacy, but I choose to simply say thank you!

Thank you for your courage. With all odds against you, you rose to the highest seat in America. I wonder were you scared. Did you worry? Were you nervous? If you were, you never showed it! You gave the American people a shining example of what it means to dream and succeed, to never give up, and to never let fear or others criticism stop you for accomplishing your goals. You turned "I think I can," into "Yes we can." We can, despite our sex, or race, our nationality, or socioeconomic status, our sexual preference, or disability. You lit a torch for each of us to carry when the road gets dark, and you gave us a spirit to keep going even when it's hard.

Thank you for your humility. If 'turn the other cheek' was in the dictionary, your picture would be next to it! Have you ever thought of teaching because you've taught us how to handle strife with class and grace. Your presidency has showed us that it's ok to cry, it's okay to be speechless, it's ok to become frustrated. It's ok to be human. You're president, but at the same time you're just like us. Relatable in every sense of the word, you're like a family member to so many of us and it's something I think we all love and appreciate about you.

Thank you for showing us what true love looks like, not only for our country but for mankind. Your heart is genuine and made of gold. As an ambassador of all things love, I must say I pray that I one day have a man who loves me like you love Michelle. You've redefined love. Michelle and you have made it look so magical, so worth while, something worth waiting for, for us who have yet to find it, and something to cherish and fight for for those who have. To respect and honor a woman as you do Michelle and your girls, is every woman's dream, and you have given us a standard to stand by. Family matters, and you've reminded us to let our loved ones know we care and love them, and to appreciate and hold them tight. Thank you for showing us nothing is greater than love.

Lastly, thank you for being you. If I can be frank, you have the world at your feet, but you have always remained true to who you are! You never let your position get the best of you. A president that likes to play ball and sing, you showed us it's ok to be yourself, and that you don't have to change for anyone. You can be funny and tell jokes, wear Khaki in the summer or jeans on a casual day and still do your job, and a damn good one at that!

So I say thank you! You've made us proud in ways we can't explain. You have given us something to believe in and a legacy to treasure for the rest of our lives. With compassion and love, you have lead this country in the most phenomenal way. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Thank you for your scarifies. Thank you for being a role model to us all.

You have inspired generations, and for that I say Thank You!