I’ve had many proud moments traveling the world and seeing our country’s works of goodwill. Whether it’s medical clinics, universities supporting women’s education or community parks, I love seeing the “Donated by the United States of America” signs. I hope that we have another 250 years of being the place of the American Dream, and also spreading that dream around the world through our good works.

My First-Hand American Dream

This time of year has me thinking back to my childhood in the Midwest. I am first generation, where my parents immigrated from the Philippines almost 60 years ago.  It wasn’t easy growing up as someone of Asian descent in the 80s, where the widespread discrimination trickled down to the playground. Today if a child slanted their eyes and spewed the cruel comments that I endured just because I didn’t look “American”, there would likely be disciplinary consequences. But back then, it was just another day at school. I can only imagine what my parents endured breaking through that even more difficult discrimination in the workforce.

However, as immigrants do day in, and day out,  they not only persevere, but often thrive. I wouldn’t change a thing about my childhood experiences because it made me the strong individual I am today. And I do have a little bit of satisfaction that like many first generation and immigrants do, we far exceed a life that any of those childhood bullies could ever dream of.

What those kids, because they didn’t know better, didn’t realize is that they’re immigrants too. It’s that foundation of immigrants that has made the United States the most powerful country in the world. We are a country that gives the opportunity that anyone who works hard to dream to be an American one day. You may get a passport in Montenegro, or Portugal, but you would never be referred to as Montenegrin or Portuguese. However, in America, once you get your citizenship, you are one of ours. I also have so much hope because for those born here, they will retain the right to be what they are, which is American. This distinction is what at 250 years, makes this country so darned special.

Our Impact on the World

As Americans, what also makes this country great is our goodwill around the world. I saw it first-hand at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), which was founded by Former First Lady Laura Bush. This year, AUAF celebrates 20 years of educating thousands of Afghan men and women. The wise Mrs. Bush knew that to change anti-American sentiment and extremism that proliferated in Afghanistan, that missiles and war would not be the long-term solution. So we both contributed to a better Afghanistan, but also achieved our national security goals.

It is America’s vaccines, medicines, medical centers, schools and funded infrastructure that built goodwill around the world. I feel immense pride when I would see a sign that said “Donated by USAID and The American Government” in places like Lebanon, Sierra Leone and Ghana. Those contributions are one of the most beautiful things about our country. We help the underdog, and we care about people and the well-being of the world. Because for me, being American has meant the opportunity to also be a citizen of the world.

Happy Birthday America, and to many years head of creating a better country, and better world.

All the Best,

Christine Drinan
Founder

Christine’s Other Musings

Notes from the Field 
Mother by Nature 
Where to Travel this Spring