The election results are in, and Donald Trump is our president-elect. While everyone has very mixed feelings about him being in office, I continue to try to stay optimistic (however, it is very hard to do this, especially when there is so much negativity in the media. And I have to admit, I'm pretty terrified).

However, I want to send a special thank you to President Barak Obama. A real "Thanks, Obama."

Although I was too young to vote when Barak Obama ran for president, and ran for reelection, I remember how I felt when I saw him announce his presidency. I have always been one to be open minded to new ideas, and to see the first African American man running for president made me really excited. I had no idea what political parties were when he ran when I was 11, but he seemed like a pretty cool guy. And BOY was I right. No matter what your views on Obama are, you have to admit, he is a pretty cool guy. I have seen nothing but positivity from him. From reading stories to elementary school classrooms, meeting the Kid President, and making friendship bracelets with Joe Biden, I think he is the coolest president we have ever had.

I want to thank Obama for being a role model and inspiration to me. He has gracefully ran our country scandal free, never over-exposed his family and dealt with many social issues that I care about in a very positive way. Despite the things people say about him in the media, he always remained poised and classy. I know many people are grateful for the messages that he conveys. Obama is not just an inspiration to me, but to many other Americans who saw him as a perfect example of following your dreams, despite the odds and the stereotypes.

I want to thank Obama for helping me establish my views, and for showing me the type of America that I want to raise my future children in- one that accepts people for who they are and promotes equality.

I want to thank him for also having the most bad-ass wife and daughters. The Obama women are some of the most classy and beautiful women I have EVER seen. And Michelle's arms- dang.

President Obama has and will continue to be someone I look up to. I hope that he continues to help our country succeed and worked with Donald Trump to do so. I also hope that in his last few months in office, he continues to be impactful and promotes love, peace, and equality like he always has. It will be very VERY hard for me and many others to say goodbye come January, but I think the most appropriate thing to say right now is thanks, Obama.