By winning the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama effectively opened a door that many African-Americans felt wasn’t available to them. During his two terms, the charismatic Illinois senator became one of the most admired public figures in the world by citizens and world leaders alike. During his tenure, he cut the unemployment rate, secured health care for all Americans, saved the U.S. auto industry and was a major ally in the fight for marriage equality.

Continue on for a trip through President Barack Obama’s time in office, captured by White House photographer Pete Souza. Make sure to follow former President Obama on Instagram at @barackobama.

After graduating from Columbia University, Barack Obama started his career as a community organizer in Chicago. He eventually attended Harvard Law School where he became the first black president of the “Harvard Law Review” — a foreshadowing of things to come.

Photography: Instagram

Obama was elected to his first public office in 1997 when he joined the Illinois State Senate. In 2005, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served on numerous committees.

In the historic 2008 election, Obama won 365 electoral college votes and 53% of the popular vote to defeat Arizona senator John McCain. He delivered an inspiring victory speech in Chicago's Grant Park.

Obama campaigned and passed significant legislation centered around civil rights, health care reform, gun control and carbon emissions, among other important issues.

According to the American Political Science Association, President Obama ranks as the 8th best president of all time. His legacy will forever include pulling the country out of a financial recession and ordering the strike that killed Osama bin Laden. His optimism, diplomacy and ideals will not soon be forgotten.