Happy Independence Day
I am Turkish by birth, an American by choice, and a Pennsylvanian by the grace of God. I live in the greatest country in the world. I run a successful business where I have the privilege to serve a varied community of fellow Americans.
It all started with a vision when I was 15. My father did a fellowship at the John Hopkins University Hospital. That very same year was the most awkward stage of my life in high school as an ESL student in a very crowded classroom. I could not wait to go back to Turkey, where I was comfortable being among my peers and did not have to eat lunch alone all the time as an outsider. That’s why it is incredible because when that day finally came, I was so sad and told my mom: “I will be back and spend the rest of my life here.” I guess without even realizing I caught the American fever. My parents knew that I was a dreamer at heart and a high achiever. When I passed all the exams and told them it was time to say goodbye, they were heartbroken but not surprised.
As I was standing outside of JFK airport next year, I felt at home. I knew that every minute of every day would be a challenge for a very long time. Especially the fact that I would be alone for the holidays and celebrations as Turkey was and still is an ocean away. I knew that I had to be on a visa for a very long time and work minimum wage. I knew that patiently I had to wait while working harder than anyone else. I had to accept that I had to remind myself of the sacrifices I was making and why I was making them every day. I had a dream of being an American and giving back to America someday as a successful citizen. That’s why every hard day, every tear, every birthday, Christmas, and New Year spent away instead of crying; I was smiling because I was one day closer to that dream. This country has given me so many blessings, and I am proud to say that even though I lost some battles to get here, I still won the war.
That is why when I say this, believe me; I didn’t come to America to let America slip away. I didn’t fight so hard to get into America to watch it become the country I left. I came to make sure America becomes better than it has ever been. To expand that dream to more people than ever before who want to succeed and give back.
This Fourth of July, let’s rededicate ourselves afresh and anew to those principles that make America, as President Reagan said, “a shining city on a hill.”
Wishing you all a very Happy 4th of July,
Sky
