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A special thanks to America, the land, its people, its principles. How I moved to America and achieved my version of The American Dream. I found the place where I could try anything, do anything, and be anything I desired, if I was willing to work for it and persist.
Throughout history, humans have moved from their place of birth to another one perceived as ideal; a place of opportunity; a “better country.” Ancient Egypt, Rome, France, and the United Kingdom all attracted immigrants at the peak of their development. They inspired an inner desire to be better, to progress, to fulfill dreams. The desire to find a better life has not changed since the dawn of time. Some seek professional opportunities for themselves and their children; some escape stressful conditions at home, persecution, discrimination, poverty, slavery, or an oppressive government. Others seek supportive conditions to materialize their ideas, their inventions; to exercise their creativity in the arts, the sciences, business, sports. Over the last centuries, this perceived Nirvana on earth has been the United States of America. Indeed, this idealistic perception has much evidence to support it. “The American Dream,” as it is called, represents the fulfillment of all aspirations. Millions of Americans have achieved it. Millions of new Americans have come to this land to make it true.
Let me share with you my American Dream. I grew up in Colombia in an underprivileged family. Since the years of my childhood, I dreamed to be a scientist, to gravitate around the intellectual world, to write and publish new ideas. My parents were less than enthusiastic about this. To many readers, this might seem strange. Having a child with high aspirations would be great news to a parent. However, to be a scientist in a developing country, assuming one could afford an education, meant making poverty vows. I aspired to do science, but I did not want to be poor. I also wanted to have a family, to afford certain perks, such as a house, travel. All this is perfectly normal to my average reader, but not to poor parents in a third world country. They wanted me to go into business.
In spite of the opposition, I kept my dream alive. I put myself through college by assuming government loans and working. All along, my siblings laughed at me. “What are you going to do with that? Give it up, join the family business,” was the usual complain. After graduation, I worked for a few years as a hydrologist for the Colombian Geological Survey. With my meager salary, I could not leave my parents’ home. However, all these obstacles actually increased my resolve. In my mind, I cultivated my dream. Is there a place, I thought, where I can do what I desire? A place where I can be who I aspire to be? Initially, the path of America took a detour. In 1980, I earned an international scholarship to do my graduate degree in Canada. After a few years, I continued on to my doctoral degree in hydrologic engineering. I met Sobeida, a graduate student from Venezuela, who later became my wife and the love of my life. I thought I would stay in Canada doing science, but the recession of the early 1980''s prevented me from getting a job. At the same time, I started to receive invitations to apply for university jobs in America. My research expertise seemed very appealing to them. This was an interesting twist of events. “America,” I thought, what a beautiful word, and one that suddenly represented the satisfaction of my dreams. A country where its Constitution acknowledges Freedom and “the pursuit of happiness” as legitimate human rights has to be great place to live. A great place to be!
We came to America in 1986. We were young, energetic, and full of dreams. The rest, as they say, is history. I pursued a career in science at various universities; I wrote and published research and books to my heart’s content, even books in the humanities; I had the family I desired, and were able to afford everything I needed and more. Sobeida finished her doctoral degree, published books on elimination of stress, and developed her own technique in water color art. In fact, the opportunities we have had greatly exceeded our dreams.
Hence, this Thanksgiving, as every year, I wish to give thanks to this promised land, America; to its beautiful people, Americans; to the principles by which it lives. May The American Dream be fulfilled by all of its current inhabitants, and continue to be achieved by future generations of Americans. May future immigrants be as lucky, as well received, as warmly welcomed, as we were. Thank you America for being.
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Dr. Sergio E. Serrano is the author of
Translator of
AN ART OF LIVING
by Andre Maurois
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I was born in this country, but when I went to graduate school in engineering in 1966, I was surprised to see that those of us from the United States in the department were outnumbered 2 to 25. From that point onward, immigrants became an integral part of my higher education career as friends and colleagues. It has been my experience that immigrants, regardless of their status upon arriving, within one generation, achieve a standard of living higher than most Americans. The reason is sacrifice and drive. Many come to the United States at great sacrifice, but have a drive to succeed that outshines native citizens in every respect.
The President-elect should read your article and be aware that without immigrants, the United States would've declined into mediocrity and old world thinking decades ago. In the eyes of the world the United States does not need to be made "great again." You have exemplified the world view of the United States in your story.
Ron
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
B.