Our country will soon be moving forward from Barack Obama’s presidency, and as the next four years with a Donald. J Trump presidency approach, the standard for our new president is set very high — not because of what Barack Obama did for our country, but how he executed it.

The Office of the President requires heavily-weighted decision making in times of crisis, and it can be overwhelming and challenging. His decisions affect a wide-variety of different people and nations. Doing what is best for the country is never a simple solution because the public does not have a single, unified ideology. All the tasks on the president’s to-do list are done under the spotlight of the public eye, and any actions taken by the president are criticized.

Like him or not, Obama deserves credit and respect for his eight years in office. He consistently brought integrity, grace, and charisma to his presidency. His presence in the White House was a gift to the American public that we took for granted without  lies, cheating and scandals.

Many disagreed with his policies, but it is impossible to please an entire country of over 300 million people — no President will ever achieve that. However, even during the hardest times, President Obama never dropped his poise. From dealing with dictators to keeping the country united under tragedy, Obama kept his cool and always stayed optimistic. He is living proof that a minority child of a single parent can one day lead the greatest nation in the free world. However, nothing comes easily. Through hard-work and determination, he achieved his goals.

Obama’s character is a prime example of how to not only be a leader, but a respected person in society. When times get tough, keeping your head held high and walking with dignity will bring anyone the strength they need to lead themselves (and others) to the light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s hope that the 45th leader of America can bring the same representation, courage and perseverance as number 44.