Farewell to the Obamas

For 8 years, Barack Obama served the United States as the first African-American president. As of January 20, 2017, Obama is no longer in office — as if you did not already know this. Reflecting on the last 8 years, I am truly heartbroken to say farewell to the Obamas.

The history of the United States is one partly filled with lies, scandal, and hypocrisy among the victories claimed. But I have to say, this latest presidential election is perhaps one of the worst things, ever.

Under Obama’s presidency, we accomplished affordable healthcare, legalizing gay marriage, and more all while breaking the stereotypes that certain groups of people are unable to accomplish certain things.

Thinking of what it took to get Obama in office leaves me speechless.  President Obama served as a president with poise, intellect, and good humor, in spite of the controversy he had to face before he was able to move into the White House. With Donald Trump in the White House for all but a month, it is horrifying to watch. Something I want to ignore, but I cannot if I want to be informed and alert.

You really don’t know what you have until it’s gone.

Through it all, he had the fearless Michelle Obama by his side. The 44th First Lady who attended Princeton, Harvard, and is an icon, role model, and inspiration to many, including myself. The woman is elegant, beautiful, strong, intelligent, and well-spoken. While unconditionally supporting her husband, she promoted and education healthy-living, and other topics many are too fearful to talk about.

Let’s be real here, there is no duo more iconic than Barack and Michelle, or President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. From the fourth grade to the twelfth grade, I had a president I loved.

Now, as a young, minority woman entering the adult world, I look out into the next four years with a brave face. As we say farewell to the Obamas, we must remember to not give into the fear. We need to stand together, and believe in the change we can bring together.