S1C1_Shaush-American Dream Lives On

In the opening scenes of Titanic, JackDawson and his Italian friend, Fabrizio, win tickets to travel aboard theill-fated ship in an auspicious game of poker, and Fabrizio exuberantly yells,“We go-a to America!” Drawing inspiration from real life, Fabrizio exuded thehope and belief that immigrants throughout the world have regarded for America.For over two hundred years, America has served as a beacon of opportunity.America truly is the “Land of Opportunity,” a land where the self-made man isfound on every corner; a land that serves as a litmus test to all other lands;a land where wealth and social status do not inhibit one’s potential. I believe that in America, anything is possible.

Every day I am reminded of thispossibility. I am an immigrant. To discern me from the crowd of purebred,made-in-Americans is impossible. I speak with no accent and dress nodifferently. I am American, through and through. The true distinction is foundin my perspective. Each morning as I sleepily trudge off to school, my motherreminds me, “I brought you to this country, now do something with it.” Theweight of that statement propels me through my myriad of classes: history,government, and especially math. With each class and homework assignment Icomplete, I feel the pressure of not only grades and deadlines, but the evenmore immense pressure of expectation—three generations of Ukrainian relatives.Instead of shying away from this prospect, I face it full-on.

Regardless of birthplace, 310 millionAmericans face the same expectation. To be born in America is a gift, one thatshould never be wasted. Even through today’s pessimistic climate, I find it easy to be optimistic, simplybecause of where I live. While my mother grew up in the shadows of communism, Iwas raised in the light of freedom and democracy. Anything is possible inAmerica, anything.

The United States is one of a fewcountries that can boast the successful by- products of hard work. AbrahamLincoln was born in a log cabin and received no formal judicial education, yetrose to prominence as a lawyer,and later became Commander in Chief. Oprah Winfreygrew up in abject poverty, only to become one of the richest women in theworld. And even Madeleine Albright emigrated from Czechoslovakia to become thefirst female Secretary of State.

The true beauty of America lies not inits fruited plains or purple mountain majesties, but in the determination ofits people. In lieu of the 9/11 attacks news outlets report that hatred for theUnited States is common. This is simply a fallacy. Countless people travelacross oceans, jump across fences, and float in small boats to seek amnesty inAmerica’s gilded doors. Just asmillions of people sought refuge in the U.S. during the great migrations of thelate 19th century, today that zeal to live in America still exists. The UnitedStates is a land of opportunity, and hard work and determination are vehiclesfor success. This, I truly believe.

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About Author: Yasmina Shaush -Greeley, Colorado

As a young immigrant to the UnitedStates, Yasmina Shaush feels the weight of several generations who have highexpectations for her. Ms. Shaush has come to believe that the beauty of Americais the opportunity for success through hard work and determination.

Yasmina Shaush's family came tothe United States from Ukraine when she was only seven years old. Ms. Shaushwrote this essay as a high school senior when she was busily writing essays forcollege applications. In reflecting on how blessed she felt to be given theopportunity of going to college, she wrote this essay. Ms. Shaush is now acollege student at the University of Colorado at Boulder.