These essays were excellent and gave me the opportunity to actually get to know the members of my committee. It's an honor to be amongst the ranks of these free-thinking, intellectual individuals, as well as, the opportunity to observe their willingness to share personal beliefs and thoughts regarding who they are and how they represent this country. I certainly feel elated to know that I share this heritage with these people.
Alexa, I really appreciate your take on this. Although, I didn't completely agree with everything you stated in your letter, I totally agree with you here. And there is NEVER a reason why you should feel compelled to 'explain' the deapth of your patriotism. Although, I'm a descendant of African slaves, I truly love this country and embrace its faults, facts and history. Be patriotic. We all have that special 'umph'/'swag' that makes us American, and stars, stripes, red and blue are pretty dang on American:-)
Charlie, I truly enjoyed reading your letter, as it provided much information necessary to disassociate the stereotypical views that people would have regarding Americans and America. Before, writing my essay, I felt a need to have a contemporary understanding of what it would be like to write to a person that wasn't familiar with Americans and the great country we reside in. To acquire that feel, I read yours and was wholly intrigued by the contrast made between ‘what we must look like’ to foreigners opposed to ‘who we actually are’. I particularly enjoyed your reference to people being content in their lives, it 'jerked' me. Although, I appreciate EVERYTHING I have acquired in my life (family, abilities, materials, experiences, etc), I’m certain that I take them for granted, at times. I have possessions that some people would literally kill for, but I feel that they are just things…content with the realization that I’ve had less and was just fine. Charlie, I thank you for that reminder. I believe that portion alone, will be the deciding factor of whether one would move here.
Kendall, Kendall, Kendall... I really enjoyed your essay, as it was gritty, honest and provided the ‘want to be an American’ every reason to JUST STAY HOME, and the 'already American' a kick in the teeth. Although, alot of what was stated did not apply to me, I felt a little dirty, because I care more for Katrina victims than Haiti's, and eat out whenever I don't FEEL like cooking... so, I literally felt the "eeew." Through cynicism, you were able to specifically guide the person to make a conscientious decision based upon their motives for coming here. I especially liked the fact that you expressed the need to possess a work ethic as a means to succeed, as well as, the “Congo”/”China” bit. Thank you for truthfully illuminating the darkness of our great home.
Tony, your essay was prolific, at best. You shared the aesthetics of our beautiful country. The opportunity to drive cross country and as far up as ‘ALASKA!’ provided the reader the opportunity to ‘see’ the freedom that is undoubtedly a major part of our country, as well as, its infrastructure. The section pertaining to Virginia was right on. I’ve done drive to all the places you mentioned and it’s amazing to have it all in such close proximity. I really enjoyed reading this because I’m somewhat flighty (my passport is in my wallet) and simply love to hop in a car, on a bus, train, plane and/or ship and just GO..ANYWHERE, but you made me particularly want to go to America. Even as a residing American, you made me want to come here and stay.
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