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Pennsylvania State Winner

Caleb Olczak
Cambridge Springs, PA
Mystic Mountain Home School
Home School
11th Grade

What does it mean to be an American? The simple answer is that you must be a citizen of the United States of America. Though this answers the question just fine in passing it is hardly a far reaching definition. At the core of every true American lies something so much more powerful than citizenship, inside every American there thrives a passion for freedom. Throughout its history America has been called the land of opportunity, and that is just what every American has. Not only do we have the opportunity to elevate ourselves and are free to do as we please, but we have the right to be involved in our political process and help guide the fate of our nation.

American's passion for freedom has been displayed in many different ways throughout the years. Some of the first permanent settlers to land on our shores came because they were seeking religious freedom. Later in our history because of a desire for self government and all the freedoms and rights that would be created with it, our founding fathers drafted and set into motion a democratic republic. During the mid to late eighteen hundreds this passion for freedom was manifested in the form of the western expansion. More recently the light of freedom was shown during the civil rights movement of the mid twentieth century. In present times the potentially divisive, but well intended War on Terror is making strides toward freedom in countries where freedom was until recently unknown.

As we have seen, freedom and opportunity are closely related if not intertwined. In fact, opportunity can be seen as a byproduct of freedom. Because of the freedoms we possess, as individuals we are able to choose our own destiny. We can either choose to chase opportunity when we see it, or we can decide to ignore it. As Americans that is our right. Opportunity has come in many forms since the European settlement of North America. In many ways it has presented itself to those who possessed a strong sense of adventure and determination.

Similarly we have the right to engage in the political process of self government. In the lowest degree we have input into the political workings by voting for and electing representatives. As citizens, if we meet certain parameters, we ourselves can run for any political office of our choosing. In this way we have a much greater responsibility to be involved in the creation of a positive outcome.

In summary Americans have a passion for freedom. Opportunity is a byproduct that we may pursue or disregard. At the heart of our individual freedom is the ability to engage actively in self government and help determine the course of our nation. It seems that at least initially self government was the only means to individual opportunity. Thus freedom, opportunity, and self government are completely interdependent. To be an American means to have a love for freedom and posses a desire for others to know freedom as well.