America is a powerful nation. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These three values listed in the Declaration of Independence in my opinion greatly represent America. The founding fathers indeed created a great nation. My own story of America is a very unique one and one that has changed my life for the better. It's great diversity and uniqueness is unmatched. By no means is America perfect, although nothing is perfect and nowhere is there absolute perfection. There are no utopias and if there are they have surely collapsed. America is the greatness ever and I truly believe this with my heart.

My story begins being born in my country of Greece. At about 1 years of age, I came to America with my parents. America welcomed myself and my family with open arms. It was at this moment that I would live twenty years in this country. I am proud to have become an American citizen along with my family. People take for granted the fact of being an American citizen. I truly know how difficult it was for my family to pick up and leave Greece to come to America, although it was a great decision that has no consequences. America has given me an education and the ability to go to college and chase a degree. The government gives me aid to be able to afford college and be the only person in my family to attend and be close to finishing college. America has given me the ability to work and make a living doing what I want to do. It has given me a home and good health. It has given me the ability to write. This country has given me freedom and protection. America gives the right to due process and the right to a free trial. America has given me freedom and the ability to do what I want with my life. One being religious freedom, to pursue and study any religion that you so please. Also freedom in a general sense of doing what you want in your life. America has given me life and a different meaning.

My life would have been much different if I had stayed in Greece and never came to this great country. As people surely know Greece is not in great economic position and people have many difficulties living there currently. If I was still living there, I could have no job and nothing to do.The idea of the American dream has decreased but it still is attainable. My grandparents came to America with nothing but the clothes on their backs. In due time with hard work and dedication they raised a family and bought a beautiful home. My grandparents are happy and never regret leaving for a better life. Through hard work and dedication, people can make it in America surely, my grandparents are a prime example of that.

Greece will always be my homeland and be in my heart, but I am an American. I am a greek American. My love of my country will never falter, but I am truly an American and love this country. I love it with its unparalleled freedom, many opportunities, and the ability to work to make a living. I do have dual citizenship in Greece and America. I will always be Greek, but I am an American by heart. Nonetheless, I do believe on staying in America for the rest of my life. I will raise a family, buy my own home, and work in America for the rest of my life. America has given me so much that my other country could not possibly give.

I owe America everything that it has given me and I have no doubts in my mind whatsoever of coming to this great nation. A million thank you's are necessary. America has given me so much, an education, freedom, and vast opportunities. So let's make a toast to America, a country that I am most proud of.