Some see it as the end of the world; others see it as a new beginning. Obama’s final days are here, and Trump is now our president. 

Fan of Obama or not, he made progress and enforced changes in our government. A few of these achievements were legalizing gay marriage, getting affordable health care out to people who did not have access otherwise, and pulling all troops out of Iraq. The unemployment rate dropped by nearly 3%, not an extraordinary number, but definitely pointing our economy in the right direction. Health insurance became much more accessible, as the number of citizens without it was cut in half during his time in office.

On the other hand, his 8 years in office were not filled with pure progress. The national debt has increased by nearly 86%, or $9 trillion, since Obama was elected. This is a heavy weight that Donald Trump will be forced to deal with during his term. 

Most can acknowledge how dignified Obama was over the past 8 years and how well he represented this country. When faced with opposition, he opened a discussion and did his best to solve the problems that he continued to face. During his farewell address, Obama stressed the importance of a peaceful transition of power, stating, “I committed to President-elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me.” This was a common theme throughout his address; he was well aware of the unrest among his supporters and knew he needed to set the best example possible. Obama urged for people to keep their hope in this country alive and that the best way to move forward is to get involved.

“Democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity -– the idea that for all our outward differences, we’re all in this together; that we rise or fall as one.”

Obama’s impact also affected the student body. Morné le Roux, a senior at Bob Jones, is a perfect example of the impact Obama has had on some of the younger population in this country. She has been heavily involved in student and local politics throughout her high school career.

Morné spoke of Obama with high regard and a beaming sense of reverence for the former president, stating, “He treats everyone with respect, regardless of occupation, gender, background, or age… He inspired me to become politically active.”

While it can be argued that Obama was a polarizing president for the citizens of this nation, some of his policies will forever have an impact on America. Obama has been with us for the last 8 years, but now it’s time to allow a new person to come into power and move this nation forward.