What America Means to Me

What does America really symbolize, other than the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?

The American Dream. What is it, really, that so many immigrants came to the U.S. for?

It’s the belief that everyone, whether poor or rich, with hard work, determination, and desire to succeed, can rise and achieve their dreams, ascending from rags to riches. Equally.

Many immigrants from various countries came to America in the 1900s, hoping for a better future, better jobs, better living conditions, and success. 

Immigrants like my parents. 

Who saved up and planned for so long before coming to the U.S. 

Who worked so hard and with so much determination to learn English, among the innumerable other difficulties.

Who toiled tirelessly at their jobs to make a living for me.

Who at the same time received unending help from colleagues, neighbors, family members, almost anyone who listened. 

Especially the community.

And they worked. 

Hard.

For the “American Dream” that so many others like them wanted.

And in the end?

It all paid off. 

The American Dream really was real.

They worked so hard and with so much determination to help me grow. 

To help me have a better future.

To give me a chance to have a part.

This, to me, is what America means. 

Determination.

Work. 

But in the end, success and happiness make it worth it.

Worth it for the future generations and influencers to come.

For children like me.

For us.

For America.