Last night marked the end to the eight-year presidency of Barack Obama.

Obama delivered his farewell address in Chicago, going back to where it all started when he was a Senator of Illinois.

Eight years ago, my family and I stood in freezing cold on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. with thousands of people from all over the world. We all wanted a glimpse of watching America’s first African American being inaugurated to the highest honor of the country.

Standing below 5 feet tall, I could hardly see anything but the jumbo screen playing the event live, but I could feel it. I could feel the weight of moment, the energy of the people that surrounded me. I felt a surge of pride and hope seeing someone that looked like me represent our nation.

Naive and sheltered in a community full of diversity and liberal thinkers, I was convinced that our nation had began a new era. An era without hate and discrimination. If a black man could be elected as president, was I wrong to think otherwise?

I have come to realize over the past few years and in light of the most recent election, my conclusion at eight years old was simply untrue. Our homeland is still plagued with violence and indifference. And as I had hoped, Obama captured the essence of this very sentiment in his speech.

“After my election there was talk of a post-racial America. And such a vision however well intended, was never realistic,” Obama said.

Obama made equality and open-mindedness a key theme of his speech. He spoke about discrimination, mass shootings, and terrorism, calling for tolerance and empathy from all people.

The speech was framed around threats to our democracy. Obama insisted that there has to be equal economic opportunity, harmony between all factions, understanding between differing political ideals, and higher government participation from citizens.

All these threats have been evident even before Obama took office, but they were not coincidentally mentioned as the presidency shifts power and these threats are more prominent than ever.

Trump represents the strong influence money and business have on our politics. Now the influence isn’t coming from greedy, private companies hoping to change legislation in their favor, but instead they are on the inside as our president and possibly his cabinet officials (if his nominations are approved).

American has moved further and further away from the ‘American Dream’ that reflects that anyone can work their away up to the top. Money and power have become almost synonymous and they continue to be held in the hands of a select few, or in the 1% as Obama mentioned in his speech.

Trump has a led an ‘unconventional’ campaign to say the least. He targeted immigrants, generalized minorities, and disrespected women on the national stage of a country that has a global reputation for inclusion and progression.

Trump has also been a testament to the divide between political parties. Has our government become so divided that voters can overlook Trumps explicit disrespect and dain for people? Or is this actually how 46.1% of voters actually agreed with these statements?

Obama has been a victim of the rigid and polarizing politics of Washington that has prevented him from passing laws.

The president called for politicians and voters alike to make decisions based on common sense, evidence, and the best interest of the country.

He warned people to avoid remaining in “our own bubbles”  by filtering out people and information that does not fit our own opinions.  

Obama’s last point placed responsibility on citizens to take action and participate in the democracy. He cited that America has the lowest voter turnout if any developed nation.

He aimed to restore faith in the government as many people are convinced it is always working against them.

Once people give up hope, they lose the right to criticize their government when they have not done their part. Apathy comes from a body of people that taken their democracy for granted as Obama mentioned in his address.

“I am asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change — but in yours,” the president said.

He emphasized “we” in his speech, accrediting the accomplishments of his two terms to support of the American people. Obama thanked them for their unwavering ability to inspire him and he thanked them for giving him a chance.

The concluding words tugged at the heartstrings of many Americans as Obama thanked his wife Michelle, his vice president Joe Biden, his oldest daughter Malia, and his dedicated staff.

A message that has resonated with many young Americans was Obama’s optimist belief in the future.

“This generation coming up — unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic —  I’ve seen you in every corner of the country. You believe in a fair, and just, and inclusive America,” he said.

The faces of audience members and Americans watching live were streaked with tears. Their tears were mixed with pride and joy in reflection and with fear and uncertainty for what is to come.

The president and the first family has served our nation, free of scandal, and with grace, and humility. His legacy precedes labels and criticisms. His has left the country undoubtedly in a better place than when he started. He has honored the essence of a democracy and has led with the best interest of all Americans.

Whether or not you are a Democrat or a Republican, Obama calls for people to look within themselves to be agents of change. If we hold on to these values and challenge the threats to our democracy, we can only move forward together.

“Yes we can.”