Student essay: What is an American? One who uses what they have to build a better future

Close your eyes for a moment and think of the word “American.” What do you see? Fireworks on the Fourth of July? Hot dogs and hamburgers? Red, white and blue?

While those are all great symbols of America, being an American goes far beyond the moments of celebration. For me, an American is someone who uses every opportunity, no matter how big or small, to contribute to their community, support others and work towards a better future.

One of the best defining qualities of an American is the desire to serve others.

For me, I do my part in demonstrating this quality every day when I volunteer my time at my local gymnastics gym, where I spend hours coaching younger children. At first glance, this may not seem connected to being an American, but I believe it is. By helping children grow, encouraging them to work hard and teaching them not to give up, I am contributing to the future of my community.

Those small lessons, kindness, perseverance and responsibility, create a ripple effect. President Theodore Roosevelt really touched on this when he said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Being an American is not about having the most resources; it is about using what you have to make a difference in the lives of others.

Another trait I believe defines an American is the belief in growth and opportunity.

Growing up, my family faced financial struggles, and opportunities were not always easy to find. However, obstacles like that only made me more determined to rise above the struggles and be more determined.

When I got the opportunity to be brought into a community where I was introduced to environments filled with strong role models and leaders, I realized how important it is to push myself and give back. This is where education became important to me.

I believe that being an American means valuing the chance to learn and using that knowledge to build a better future, not just for yourself, but for others as well. Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,” and I use my education as my way of one day contributing to my country in many meaningful ways.

Being an American also means uplifting those around you. A country is only as strong as the people who make it up and support it.

Unity is one of the most helpful ways to contribute to America. Whether it is helping classmates with schoolwork, volunteering or simply encouraging someone to do their best, these everyday actions reflect what it truly means to be an American.

President John F. Kennedy once said a quote that people will always remember: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” I believe that when you sit and reflect on this quote, you find the answer is in how we treat one another. When we walk with kindness, responsibility and encouragement, we strengthen not only the people around us but the nation as a whole.

At the end of the day, being an American is not defined by one single action, symbol or person. It is defined by a mindset you wake up with every day, the choices you make and whether they help contribute, grow and support America.

Through volunteering, focusing on my education and encouraging those around me, I have learned that being an American starts with everyday actions. It is about showing up, making an effort and helping build a stronger community.

Because in the end, an American is someone who understands that the strength of a country comes from the people who choose, every day, to make it better.

Ella Spralls, 16, is a rising junior at Sequatchie County High School. She lives in Dunlap.