Dear Mr. President,
I was in fifth grade when you were elected and inaugurated president of the United States of America. I knew it was an important moment in American history, but I was only 10 years old. I didn't truly understand the odds you were facing or the reason it was important. The only thought that occurred to me was that this was our first Black president and that was something to be proud of.
As I grew up, you were the only president I ever really knew. You faced adversity and struggles, but you seemed to always overcome them. I know your time in the White House has to come to an end, but I'm glad I got to become a teenager with you leading this country. You have allowed for a more inclusive American government and shown the people of color of my generation that we truly can do anything.
I want to say thank you. Even though you may not have done the best sometimes, and you are a little problematic, you have a class that is in some cases unparalleled. It's unbelievable to think that we're going from such a dignified leader to a four-year-old toddler. I am so sorry that you have to see your legacy followed up by such an arrogant and tactless president-elect.
I will miss you and your Dad jokes.
Thank you so much.
Dear Michelle,
Oh wow. You have been a dream. The most academically accomplished first lady in history, you are an inspiration to all. Of course, when I was 12, I didn't especially appreciate you taking all the junk food out of my school and replacing it with "healthier alternatives," but I appreciate the effort and the effectiveness of your health movement. You wrote rap songs about going to college and were in vines about vegetables.
Let's just say, you embarrassed yourself a lot for this country. Thank you for that. You believed in the youth and you wanted to make us better. Your words this election season were powerful and, in some ways, unfiltered. You spoke your truth, a truth that many people in this country needed to hear.
I can't believe anyone would disrespect you, but I do remember some of the racist comments you received. I'm sorry for that. I'm also sorry there are boys on Twitter using you as an excuse to tell girls to stay by their good-for-nothing boyfriends.
I appreciate you especially. Your power and elegance are awe-inspiring and you are an inspiration. I could not be more grateful to have grown up a woman of color while you were First Lady. I'm extremely sad to see you go, but I carry your words with me.
Thank you both. For everything!
