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New Mexcio State Winner

Christina Durano
Albuquerque, NM
Durano Homeschool
Home School
12th Grade

What does it mean to be "an American?" Is it a right, a privilege, or simply a fact of life? Do you become an American by living in any one of 50 individual states, or does it require something more?

Last year, when I traveled through every state in the union -- literally from "sea to shining sea" -- I discovered what it means to be an American. I realized that whether a person lives on the beaches of Hawaii or in the concrete jungle of New York, if he has an appreciation for freedom, a respect for others' rights, and a love for the United States, he is "an American." An American cherishes freedom, and he uses that freedom to express himself. An American respects rights--his own as well as others. And an American loves his country and demonstrates that love through loyalty.

This is not to say that Americans don't have different opinions. They do. A California movie executive, an Oklahoma rancher, and an east coast CEO will have completely different views on America's priorities, but because they are Americans -- because they treasure freedom -- they will each voice their opinions freely and do whatever they can do to make America a better place. The real American dream is not merely owning a piece of America; it is being a part of it -- being free to create our nation's future while at the same time preserving its past.

Being an American means being an individual. Instead of a homogeneous society where consciences are squeezed into cookie-cutter beliefs, we are a people with diverse backgrounds, goals, and ideas. It fuels American creativity and allows unlimited opportunities that most people in the world will never know. Americans are exposed to different philosophies through education and the media, and amazingly, we are allowed to choose which paradigm we prefer. Unfortunately, this can lead to "non-Americans" living in America, but for the most part, the freedom to choose results in a deep respect for others' rights and a unity defined by love for our country.

Traveling through the United States taught me what it is to be an American, but traveling abroad showed me how to appreciate it. Throughout the Middle East and Asia, I saw the devastating effects of overbearing governments. Hopelessness prevailed, and individuals were nothing more than "invisible" inhabitants. Exposure to Western European culture taught me the value of building upon the past without getting stuck in it. Wisdom lies in experience, but unless people study and discern past mistakes, they will repeat former tragedies.

Being an American means something different to every citizen, as well it should. But underneath our diversity and individuality, which I saw so clearly in my domestic and international travels, there is a common bond -- a love of freedom, a respect for rights, and a devotion to country. This bond unites us because of and despite our differences. Being an American is a privilege --of living in the greatest country on earth. Being an American is a process -- of discovering who we are and where we came from. And being an American is a promise -- of knowing that together, we can create a better tomorrow than today. That is what it means to be "an American."