By Aaliyah V.
Lake Mary, Florida
When I first arrived in America from my homeland with my mother, fleeing from an abusive, alcoholic father. I felt like a small boat lost in a vast ocean. Everything seemed unfamiliar, and I was unsure of what the future held for me. But as time went on, I realized that America was more than just a countryit was a place of endless possibilities, opportunities, and my new home.
However, life in America is not all roses. My mother and I had nowhere to go. I recall it was a cold, wintery night. We sat at a bus stop huddled together with no food or money, as she tried to keep me warm. A stranger walking by offered my mother a bed for both of us at a local shelter for Battered Women and Children. We arrived at the shelter, and we thanked him. I recall sitting at the dinner table, surrounded by strangers, hugging my mother. Happy tears flowed down my face as I was grateful to have a hot meal. That night, we slept in a warm bed with fresh clothes, feeling blessed yet worried about what our future held.
I realized that life would be hard, however, my mother would do everything in her power to keep us safe. After all, America was called The Land of Opportunity, would we ever achieve that? My mom taught me perseverance and America soon provided me with opportunities I had not had before. I was given the experience of meeting new people, and a unique opportunity of attending a magnet school that I quickly grew to love.
One of the things that I love most about America is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. In this melting pot of cultures, I have had the opportunity to learn from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. I have been exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking that have broadened my horizons and shaped me into the person I am today.
Since then, I have come to realize that in order to make sense of our thoughts and celebrations, we must acknowledge both the past and future of our country. The United States’ history is a patchwork of incredible triumphs and difficult obstacles. As we look to the future, it’s critical to both thoughtfully acknowledge and celebrate our country’s past as well as its achievements. This thoughtful strategy, which acknowledges our history, will lead to a more inclusive and optimistic future.
A modern society needs a deep understanding of history in order to thrive. curricula that reflect the full range of American history, highlighting both triumph and failure, should be made available to schools and universities. A thorough education helps us to appreciate our past in a more complex way. A diversity of views, empathy and reconciliation may be promoted through public discussions and academic panels involving historians, local leaders, and citizens.
The opportunities for reflection on the nation’s journey are provided by American cultural celebrations and national holidays such as Independence Day, Memorial Day and Juneteenth. These important dates are filled with celebration and learning, bringing to light the history of our successes and struggle. These contributions to America’s story can be highlighted with festivals, community events, and promoting inclusivity.
Powerful tools for celebrating, reflecting, and commemorating history can be in the form of media, literature, art, monuments, and museums. To honor the achievements while acknowledging the darker chapters, a balanced approach to memorialization is ensured. A more accurate depiction of the past is offered by the creation and maintenance of monuments that reflect both triumph and injustice. Visitors can be actively engaged by interactive displays in museums, presenting a variety of views and encouraging their reflection.
I am part of an active community in which we discuss ways to resolve historical injustices, foster conversation, and examine paths toward reconciliation in order to create a better future. The goal of these talks is to foster understanding and healing, two things that are necessary for a society that is more cohesive. I spend my weekends volunteering at the homeless shelter which allowed me to give back in a way that was monumental to my mom and I when we first arrived. This is essential to addressing today’s issues, maintaining the heritage of those who have fought for development, and demonstrating one’s dedication to a better future and a better society.
America must both celebrate its accomplishments and recognize its history in order to build a community that is more knowledgeable, compassionate, and forward-thinking. To create a better future, we can respect the complexity of our past by including comprehensive education, welcoming cultural events, thoughtful memorialization, engaging storytelling, community involvement, and progressive policy.
But perhaps the greatest gift that America has given me is the endless opportunities it has provided. From access to quality education to the freedom to pursue any career path I choose; America has empowered me to reach for the stars and strive for greatness. Whether it’s through scholarships, internships, or mentorship programs, there is no shortage of opportunities that are available to help me succeed. Anything is possible.
In America, the sky is truly the limit. It is a place where dreams come true and where hard work and determination are valued. As I continue my journey in this great nation, I am filled with gratitude for all that America has given me. It is not just a country it is a beacon of hope and opportunity for people like me who come here in search of a better life.
In conclusion, America means everything to me. It is a place of refuge, a land of opportunity, and a home where I am free to be myself. I am proud to call myself an American, and I am excited to see what the future holds for me in this great nation!
Join all Americans and share your story about your history and your hopes and dreams for the future of our country. Together, we will tell the American story through videos and the most inclusive commemoration in our history.
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
This contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.