"Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations." -Barry's 2008 inauguration speech . . . . . I was 13 years old when Obama ran for president the first time. All I knew about politics was 9/11 happened, shit hit the fan, and then the economy crashed. Our Main Street was empty, school programs were getting cut, the word recession was everywhere and I didn't know what any of it meant. Then my 8th grade teacher gave us extra credit for watching the debates and my entire life changed. When Obama won the presidency and my 14 year old self watched that speech, I truly believed that the world could change for the better, and I will never forget that feeling. That feeling has lead me to where I am today and that feeling will lead me through these next 4 years. Obama, thank you for giving me a passion for politics and making me believe that real change is possible. Thank you for being my president. #Obama #obamafarewell #hope #change