By this time next week, the United States will have a new president, one who has less character, less compassion, and less respect for anyone than most past and hopefully future presidents. Having begun and ended my teenage years under the Obama administration, I recently have realized how impactful the Obamas' class, encouragement, and compassion for every citizen in this country has shaped the morale and mindset of Millenials. During such a developmental stage in my life, having the influence of an administration who pushed the idea of love and respect for all, truly shaped my then malleable mind.

I fear for the girls now entering their teens who will judge themselves for not being beautiful enough or skinny enough because even their president has unrealistic beauty standards for women. I am thankful to have had a first family who provided a kind, classy role model who continually gave me hope for the time when the Millenial Generation will control Washington. Statistically, we are more open-minded, educated, and tech-savvy than previous generations, much attributed to the opportunity given (at least in my mind) by the Obama administration.

The electoral map according to Millenial votes reflects this as our generation overwhelmingly voted for who would have been the first female president of the United States, an accomplishment women 100 years ago would probably never have believed to be possible. Throughout their time in office, the Obamas encouraged everyone to pursue their passions (i.e. Reach Higher), to be healthier (i.e. Let's Move), and to never be ashamed of who you are or who you love (i.e. Marriage Equality). I will always remember this progressive administration as one looking for the true liberation of all citizens in their pursuit of happiness. In this way, I feel as if the renewal of the American Dream mindset has begun in this country, whether this dream is financial or social, a reestablishment of hope was set under the Obamas.

While I may never understand how someone as poisonous for our country as Donald Trump was elected into office after such a scandal-free administration, I am optimistic that after another four years, when more of the Obama-influenced Millenials become of voting-age, the forward-thinking policies that have continually progressed this nation will replace the backwards mindset of these next four years so that we can actually make America great again. Thanks, Obama.