What is an American?

Dear Reader,
Welcome to America. I hope you will find my country to be as prosperous and beautiful as I depict it to be. The journey for you may be long and even dangerous, but the freedoms, opportunities, and security you will discover here will be rewarding.

First and foremost, let me say that I am proud to be an American. I believe you will find this true of many Americans, and our pompous attitudes are not in vain. We have toiled to build this great nation, and died to protect the freedoms we freely practice today, nationwide and worldwide. We have aided many countries in obtaining their own freedom from oppressors, and our name has become powerful because we cease to back down and suffer defeat. This factor is what sets us apart from many other countries and their governments, because Americans are governed, not ruled, and openly practice vast freedoms.

Americans have a voice, and that voice is heard, primarily in our freedoms of religion and speech. An American can worship freely; religion is not pushed upon him. He chooses his own religion and his own God, or none at all. He is not persecuted for what he believes. Americans can also speak their mind without being punished. If you disagree with something a politician, judge, or even the President has said or done, you can voice your feelings. Many people employ this freedom regularly on the radio, television, and in the newspaper.

Americans are also blessed with limitless choices. We have the right to choose leaders and to vote a person that we see fit to lead our country into office, known as the President. We have laws against tyranny and it is impossible for any person to overcome these laws, ensured through the court systems and government. Americans also have choices when it comes to our lifestyle. In some countries, your life, class, and marriage are planned when you are born or as a child. As an American, you are in control of your life and how it plays out. If you are driven and work hard, you will succeed. You can marry and have a family, stay single, adopt a child, get a divorce, even marry someone of the same sex and you will not be shunned or judged (for the most part).

Americans are also fortunate because we have endless opportunities. Public school systems allow for all children to receive an education, and financial aid allows for most under-privileged kids to attend college. Welfare provides families struggling with finances to receive food and shelter. Health care plans grant people the ability to go to doctors and receive treatments for less money. With all these contributions, Americans have no excuse for not living to their fullest potential.

As Americans, we are always at the forefront, and because of this, we have a sense of security. It is such a comforting feeling to wake up every morning, and know that wherever I go and whatever I do, I will be safe. No bombs will regularly go off at my work, and no person will stroll into my school carrying an exposed weapon unless they have earned the right. We have law enforcement to uphold the law and soldiers to defend our country, nationally and internationally. Our court systems decide how to fairly punish criminals, and our national security is constantly keeping an eye for threats against our country. Americans are protected by a leading world army and we lead the way in technological advancements, in science and the military. Our weapons are far more evolved than the countries that threaten us, and our army allies with other world powers to ensure not only domestic peace, but also foreign security.

A final point I would like to make is that Americans are blessed with the gift of relaxation and entertainment. Our entertainment industry is one of the largest in the world, and many actors and singers from America are renown worldwide. Aside from the entertainment industry, Americans can enjoy the beauty of our country while camping at a national park, swimming at one of our many beaches, or hiking a mountain.

We are a welcoming people, who have open hearts for the oppressed and open arms ready to cradle the tired and poor. Our freedoms allow you to worship and speak openly, and the opportunities in America will enable you to advance to your fullest potential. Our government is fair, and serves as a symbol of protection and security. In closing, welcome to America, home of the proud, land of the free.

Allow me to introduce myself...

Hello all! My name is Lauren Kirkland. I am a twenty-year-old student entering my third year in the Business Administration program at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. I will graduate this fall (yay!) with my Associates in Business and pursue a hospitality degree this coming spring. I also plan to attend classes to obtain a certification in event planning, which I would like to pursue a career in. During high school, I was involved in the Student Affairs Committee which inspired my passion for event planning and I recently started a new job at A Sharper Palate Catering which has been a door-opening opportunity. I love my job and couldn't be more thrilled at the chance to start learning the in's and out's of planning for my dream career.

I live at home (still) with my Mom, Dad, and eighteen-year-old brother, who attends VCU. I have lived in the city of Richmond, VA my entire life in the same house. With my new job (and paycheck), I have made it a number one goal this semester to move out! I also have a boyfriend named Luke whom I met in eighth grade and started dating my senior year. We have been together for two years and six months, and things are going great. He attends VCU's Exercise Science program and plans on joining the ROTC, and eventually the National Guard, something I am very proud of him for doing. We have every intention of getting married as soon as our finances allow us. I guess you could label us high school sweethearts.

Some hobbies I enjoy are running, swimming, bargain hunting, going to the beach, and hanging out with my friends. On a Friday night, you will most likely find me with my boyfriend and our friends, grilling out at a bonfire, playing poker, or watching a movie in one of their homes. Fortunately, I have had the privilege of keeping close to many of my high school friends, and we are a tight knit group.

I love my life and wouldn't change a thing. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, future husband, and close friends. I suppose that's what makes me such a positive, fun, easy going person (so I've been told) and I thank them so much for that. For now, cheers!