There was a long running NPR program titled "This I Believe," (TIB) where listeners would submit essays and speeches to be read on NPR. The essays would be about something they want to share with everyone, from personal beliefs to anecdotes that teach a story. This is what I believe: 

This I Believe

When I think about great Americans, I think of success. There have been explorers: Christopher Columbus, Neil Armstrong, and Merriweather Lewis. There have been artists: Louis Armstrong, Elvis, and Steven King. There have been adventurers: Jackie Robinson and Steve Jobs. But there is one thing that ties all of these people together: success. I believe, in America, we make our own opportunities to succeed.

Near the end of my sophomore year in high school, it was time for the annual Student Council Executive Board elections. There were a few documented requirements. To run, I had to have a certain GPA, have a certain number of volunteer hours, and have student council experience. But, there was an unwritten rule. The seniors didn’t want me to run. Never before had a rising junior been elected to the executive board.

I filled out the paper work and delivered it to the appropriate office. In the office, the secretary laughed at me, “You think you can get elected?” With the current student council opposed to me and the administration trying to obstruct my chance at election, I still gave my speech on election day. Three days later, when they announced my name on the loudspeaker, I knew I succeeded. For the first time ever, there was going to be a junior on the Student Council Executive Board.

When faced with adversity, some people like to complain. Some people like to give up. Some people lose motivation and continue without as much dedication. I believe that isn’t the American spirit. With all of the freedoms and liberties that their armed forces fight to protect, Americans have more inherent opportunity in the world than any other country. I believe the American spirit doesn’t give up and helps Americans succeed. We make our own opportunities in America.

When people are asked about successful companies in America, so many people talk about Microsoft and Apple. Both of those companies were born with an idea. Then, through sheer force of will and a dedication to success, two innovators who embodied America’s opportunity created two of the most profitable companies on the planet. Everybody told Bill and Steve that computers were impractical and nobody would buy them. They kept producing and pushing for success, and through their own efforts, achieved success.

Just as baseball moved on from Jackie Robinson and computers moved past Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, I moved on from my election. The achievements are still important. It reminds us that we can succeed when we set our minds to it. In fact, Jackie Robinson, Steve Jobs, and Steven King all had people opposing them, too. None of them could be “good enough” according to their critics.

But what is the thing that makes us Americans, the thing that I believe makes America great? I believe that America is great because in America, we get to make our own opportunities.

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