From an Immigrant (12)

As an immigrant to the United States, I've been asked if I like it here by various people. (Now I'm being asked by my English teacher, which is why I'm writing this blog.) I have to say that up until recently, I looked down on Americans as being stuckup and shallow. I maintained that I was British and Dutch and that I would never apply for U.S. citizenship.

But I have realized two things: Anywhere you go there will be stuckup and shallow people. The other thing is that I'm already practically an American. Although I don't have the citizenship yet, this country has been my home for 10+ years. I now have an American accent and I have absolutely no idea where all those something-ham and elsewhere-shire towns are in England.

America is called the "melting pot of society," a place where people from all over the world have come and created a unique culture. I have to say that this country was kind to my family when we needed to start a new life. It is truly a land of opportunity - in the urbanized flatlands of the Netherlands, I would have had no skiing, mountain-climbing, or hiking. America also is one of the best places to become a pilot, which is my lifelong dream. Yes, America still rewards those who try their best, and I am truly grateful to live in this country.