As Barack Obama’s two terms of presidency come to a close, it’s only right that the Obama family receives the applause they deserve.

Dear First Family,

I remember watching the inauguration on a snowy January day when I was in middle school. At the time, I didn’t fully comprehend the decision that Americans had made that election season. Looking back on the past eight years, I couldn’t imagine what life would have been like without the leadership of your family guiding the country.

To Malia and Sasha, your turn in the spotlight is coming to a close, after you grew up with your every move being scrutinized. However, your time in the White House deserves a commending ovation. You both have been models of grace and have inspired many children to live up to your standard. If any teen understands pressure, it would be the two of you young women who best know the burden of scrutiny. While being thrown into the public eye, you have retained a sense of normalcy maintaining internships, jobs and schooling. Your sense of styles has established your reputations as style icons, all while gaining the respect from mothers and daughters alike.

To the First Lady, your elegance and empowering attitude have led this country just as much as your husband has. You have motivated women, in particular women of color, to reach their full potential, regardless of societal constraints. Your drive to create a country that accepts educated and powerful women has made a tremendous impact on the lives of many. As a firm supporter of education, many American teens have benefitted from your support within further education. Many kids who never thought to attend college have been able to, thanks to your inspiration and encouragement. The initiative to have a healthier generation of children within our school system has not gone unnoticed. By encouraging schools to provide healthy lunch options and promoting fit lifestyles, the American children are forever urged to make smart food choices and exercise regularly, furthermore keeping you in mind as a role model.

Mr. President, you have led the charge for equality for all people, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. The progress that has occurred for LGTBQ Americans has allowed freedom to express themselves within society or the military. You, Mr. President, have taken steps to create a healthier country through tougher restrictions within the environment and food industry, thus inspiring Americans to make better choices for themselves and the planet. Through your initiatives within health care and insurance coverage, all people are able to have support and can receive care if needed. Furthermore, the reduction of military forces in other countries has brought many men and women back to America and are successfully reunited with their families. You have met pop culture icons from championship basketball teams to Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian, fulfilling the life dreams of so many who wish to meet the celebrities and officials you have engaged with. Finally, Mr. President, you have established yourself as one of the most famous political figures in history, one with a great sense of humor and passion, but most importantly, a sense of dedication that will be challenging to replicate.

Thank you for the past two terms. I am not the first, nor will I be the last to commend the last eight years of our lives. However, it would be unjust if I didn’t acknowledge your family as one of the modern ideals to aspire to emulate.