By Silas R.
Mount Airy, Maryland
What does America mean to me? A lot of things to be honest. Let me tell you how I am even here today writing this essay for you.
My mother was not born here in the US, she was born in Germany. My grandmother is German and my grandfather is Bosnian (ex-Yugoslavian decent). I, however, was born here to my father – who is originally from South America – and my German mother. Why is that important? I tell you why. Due to my heritage, I get to experience and learn different cultures, values, morals and religions.
My grandmother is Roman-Catholic, my grandfather is Muslim. My mother taught me from a very young age the importance of not only accepting but respecting people from different backgrounds and ethnicities, as well as being open and curious about different cultures, ideas and in general – people – which brings me back to what American means to me.
This really is the land of opportunity. Many people say Well, only a few are given the opportunity. I would revise this to say Only a few take the opportunity they are given.
America is merely 250 years old in 2026, which is my Highschool graduation year by the way and look where we are. We are one of the leaders in innovation, we live in a multicultural society that not only brings creative ideas but different outlooks on issues and various solutions to problems.
Me, personally, I have ADHD and have struggled with this from birth. My mother did not give up to engage with whomever necessary to level the playing field for someone with a disability and to not take thats just how it is for an answer. Many teachers have told me that I will not amount to much over the years, others have told me the opposite. I am now in 10th grade, I take all Honors classes, play Varsity sports, volunteered hundreds of hours to the community and can share all of this with you here today through my essay.
All of this would not be possible if it wasnt for America as a whole, which makes success possible. If there is a will, there is a way and I am the prime example to tell you, America means a whole lot to me because there is more than one way to success and America allows for that. I have been racially profiled, been called names and excluded from participating in various groups. I also experienced the opposite. People welcomed me into their circles, were interested in my ideas and wanted to know what I had to say. There are bad apples in every batch but only because one apple is not edible, does not mean you throw the entire batch away.
There is good in anything even if we do not see it right away.
Diversity, acceptance, grit and endurance are a few words that describe what America means to me.
Look where the country started, what it has become today and the many bright visions there are for the future. We the children of America are the ones that are shaping the future. A country that would only allow one thing and not another, would not make that possible. To know that I can drive a few hours and enjoy the sun and beach, or a mountainous range, a desert or farms galore is a tribute to the US. As remarkable and diverse as the landscape, so are the people. It still rings true, We – the people are what makes America.
I am excited about a future that holds many possibilities for me and future generations to come.
As I mentioned earlier, its not the lack of opportunities that prevent you from succeeding, its not taking an opportunity that you are given and running with it and I am concluding my essay by saying: I am taking mine.
God bless America.
What does America mean to me? A lot of things to be honest. Let me tell you how I am even here today writing this essay for you.
My mother was not born here in the US, she was born in Germany. My grandmother is German and my grandfather is Bosnian (ex-Yugoslavian decent). I, however, was born here to my father – who is originally from South America – and my German mother. Why is that important? I tell you why. Due to my heritage, I get to experience and learn different cultures, values, morals and religions.
My grandmother is Roman-Catholic, my grandfather is Muslim. My mother taught me from a very young age the importance of not only accepting but respecting people from different backgrounds and ethnicities, as well as being open and curious about different cultures, ideas and in general – people – which brings me back to what American means to me.
This really is the land of opportunity. Many people say Well, only a few are given the opportunity. I would revise this to say Only a few take the opportunity they are given.
America is merely 250 years old in 2026, which is my Highschool graduation year by the way and look where we are. We are one of the leaders in innovation, we live in a multicultural society that not only brings creative ideas but different outlooks on issues and various solutions to problems.
Me, personally, I have ADHD and have struggled with this from birth. My mother did not give up to engage with whomever necessary to level the playing field for someone with a disability and to not take thats just how it is for an answer. Many teachers have told me that I will not amount to much over the years, others have told me the opposite. I am now in 10th grade, I take all Honors classes, play Varsity sports, volunteered hundreds of hours to the community and can share all of this with you here today through my essay.
All of this would not be possible if it wasnt for America as a whole, which makes success possible. If there is a will, there is a way and I am the prime example to tell you, America means a whole lot to me because there is more than one way to success and America allows for that. I have been racially profiled, been called names and excluded from participating in various groups. I also experienced the opposite. People welcomed me into their circles, were interested in my ideas and wanted to know what I had to say. There are bad apples in every batch but only because one apple is not edible, does not mean you throw the entire batch away.
There is good in anything even if we do not see it right away.
Diversity, acceptance, grit and endurance are a few words that describe what America means to me.
Look where the country started, what it has become today and the many bright visions there are for the future. We the children of America are the ones that are shaping the future. A country that would only allow one thing and not another, would not make that possible. To know that I can drive a few hours and enjoy the sun and beach, or a mountainous range, a desert or farms galore is a tribute to the US. As remarkable and diverse as the landscape, so are the people. It still rings true, We – the people are what makes America. I am excited about a future that holds many possibilities for me and future generations to come.
As I mentioned earlier, its not the lack of opportunities that prevent you from succeeding, its not taking an opportunity that you are given and running with it and I am concluding my essay by saying: I am taking mine.
God bless 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.