Hillary Clinton stepped down as Secretary of State on Friday, returning to private life after 31 years in the public eye.

In those three decades, Clinton has gone from one of the country's most divisive political figures to one of its most beloved. As First Lady of Arkansas — and later the United States — and then as a U.S. Senator and 2008 presidential candidate, Clinton navigated policy battles, scandal, and five campaigns, breaking down gender barriers at each step. She endured our ridicule over her fashion choices and our judgement over her marriage, facing down her critics with humor and steely resolve.

The country finally came around to Clinton during her four years as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State. She exits Foggy Bottom today with sky-high approval ratings and a cadre of loyal fans who are ready to spring into action should she decide to run for president again in 2016.

But even if Clinton never returns to politics, her legacy is already established as the most bad-ass chick in Washington.