This country was built on opportunities. It was built on promise. On potential. Our ancestors came here for one reason: a better life. They knew this country had the potential to be something for everyone, with something they wouldn’t find anywhere else. I’m proud to be an American because of the opportunities.

If you want something bad enough, you can get it. All you need is to work hard and have ambition. If you want to be a doctor, then study hard, and become a doctor. If you want to be an olympian, train hard, and be an olympian. You want to be a rocket scientist? Be a rocket scientist. We have more opportunity to be something great in this country than anywhere else. You just need to want it enough.

I’m thankful for the late nights spent worrying about my future, it means I have options. I’m thankful for the frantic mornings spent figuring out what I want to wear because it means I have clothes on my back. I’m thankful for the late nights spent finishing homework because it means I’m getting an education. I’m thankful for the fact that I know I can always change my life.

People in America have the kind of opportunities that people in other parts of the world might never have. In this country, we have the right to express ourselves however we want to, whether it be through writing, music, or art, we have the means to say what we feel whenever we want. We have opportunities. We have possibilities. We have promise.

I’m proud to be an American for the freedoms awarded to me. I’m proud to be an American because it is where I’m lucky enough to call home. I am proud of my country.