The last eight years have been some of the very best of my life – professionally, financially, and personally. It’s been as good of a run as I could have ever imagined. I won’t list all of those accomplishments here, but I am thankful for so many blessings and successes.
It’s difficult to go back almost a decade to really accurately put myself in that mindset. However, in the summer of 2008, inspired by the wave of national volunteerism and the soaring words of an Illinois senator, wanting to make a contribution to my community, hoping to have a positive impact on the world … I decided to become a teacher. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. The people, the job, the environment, and the work – it all changed my worldview. I suddenly saw the future evolving through the eyes of my students. Whereas when I was in high school, a black quarterback was still seen as rare and perhaps controversial, there was now an African-American family in the White House. It was unfathomable. Sure, we always said it was possible, but it still didn’t seem like it would ever really happen. I wish I could have bottled the excitement, enthusiasm, and hope that transcended from our students after that election. It suddenly seemed possible that anyone could rise to the top – not just those who were born white, rich, and male. Young people of all groups who may have otherwise seemed marginalized, felt they were worthwhile and had a voice. The country finally seemed like it belonged to everyone.
Personally, President Obama’s election was like some sort of super-caffeine for me and drove me almost every day. I wanted to be a better citizen, a better person, and a better American. My faith in humanity also improved because I could see the leader of our country working to make the lives better for so many disadvantaged people.
Now, I don’t give any president all of the credit nor all of the blame. There are too many factors and the world is simply too complicated for that. Yet, I know that I felt a wave of patriotism, optimism, and loyalty to my country at a depth I’ve never felt before. I am an avid student of history and I count myself lucky that I got to live during this incredible moment in time.
So, I am saying publicly, thank you President Obama for your service. I appreciate your intelligence, prudence, leadership, class, and unwavering faith.
