By Levi S.
Northville, Michigan
When asking people what America means to them, they will most likely give an answer like freedom. To me, America is more than just a word. However, Freedom or liberty can’t contain the full extent of American ideals. To me, America is a place where everyone can express their ideas. Since the country’s founding, millions of people have immigrated to the US. The reason they chose the US is because they viewed it as an opportunity. An opportunity for what? That is the magic of America, that it can be an opportunity for anything. People can embrace their heritage, or create a whole new life. Everyone can have a different experience and still all live in harmony.
To me personally, America is a way to pursue my goals and aspirations in peace, knowing I can find support in all levels of my journey. People respect each other and will look out for one another, despite coming from very different backgrounds. The nation has developed into a world superpower, with some of the best institutions that exist. The best part is that anybody is able to attend these. An entire nations worth of information can be easily accessed and this has led to many great Americans innovating the way to the future. This road is open to anybody willing to try, and there are many people aiding others all around. There is no shortage of groups in every aspect of American life, creating even more ways for people to express themselves.
Another very common statement, but very true: America is the land of the free. There are many ways to interpret this, and all of them are probably at least somewhat true. People will stand up for what they believe, and aren’t afraid to criticize the government. That is a major way in which change happens, and should be encouraged if something is viewed as wrong. There is no need to live in fear, and full advantage is taken of this. The culture thrives on finding issues and promoting change, driving deep the point of the government being representative of the people.
The part I love about America is that it can mean whatever you want it to mean to you. It represents the people, and is constantly changing to fit the constantly changing views of the world. This trait makes it so that it isn’t definable by a single word. The very nature of America is that it can’t be easily defined. America is a culmination of everything I have mentioned, of all the countless abstract ideas that exist, and much, much more. America will always be for the people, and America will never stop being America.
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.