Americans have witnessed Trump’s Inauguration day and as everyone is getting acclimated to the new president and very different administration, they reflect upon what President Barack Obama has done for this country. Many Americans are either jumping with joy at the thought of having a new president or coping with the disappointment of Donald Trump taking over the White House.

Barack Obama was the first Black president that America has ever had. The act of him being elected demonstrated major progress in America, breaking the race barrier and showing that change is possible. It showed that aspects that have mattered in the recent past, are beginning to dissolve and form a more progressive society.

When Obama was running for president, America was going through a deficit in the housing market. The housing market had crashed during George W. Bush’s presidency, and the first thing that Obama did when he got elected was pull the economy out of the housing market crash according to CNBC.com. This accomplishment was just one of his many. Though many people were unhappy with his presidency, in the long run, he did oversee an economic recovery.

“I felt like Obama was a good president because he was put into office in a bad situation and was able to pull the economy out of it. On the other hand I didn’t agree with his ideas for healthcare and how he invested in companies that failed, but overall I felt like he was a good president and I wish he could serve more terms,” said Dylan Vanderhaar (12).

During Obama’s presidency he also eliminated Osama Bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaeda and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, which gave many Americans hope that there was justice in America. Among some of the other accomplishments that he had were that he increased support for veterans, passed the bill on Wall Street to protect consumers, and also improved the food safety system by increasing food inspections, directing more food recalls, and reviewing the current food safety practices.

“I agreed with many of Obama’s views. The only thing that I wish he would’ve done more of is help give more military benefits, but as far as social views I liked that he was progressive and was truly trying to help the people of the United States,” said Asher Hawkins (12).

For some, Obama being the president of the United States was not satisfactory to them. Many believed that he was too young to be president, therefore, not having the proper skills and knowledge to run this country. Others were angry that he wanted everyone to have insurance and health care because this meant more taxes. The reasons for disliking Obama during his presidency depend on the viewpoints of the person. Of course every time there is an election some people are pleased and others are left unpleased.

“I would say that he wasn’t the worst president that we’ve ever had, but he did not keep a lot of the promises that he said he would, but then again all presidents don’t keep their promises. He created Obama Care and did not stay true to his boots off the ground. I also didn’t like that he hid his smoking habit from the public,” said CJ McFarland (12).

Overall many people are preparing for change and as Obama leaves the White House and carries on with his life, America will be prepared for Donald Trump to enter the White House and lead this country.