What is privilege?

I ask myself this question every day. What does it mean to be a citizen in this country? To have a roof over your head? To have opportunities available instantaneously? When discussing the topic of opportunity, it really comes down to the privilege of ambition. This country has blessed us with the emotion of drive, ambition, and success.

My parents came to America for a better life, but it was also a country that they could better nurture their drive to satisfaction. Around the world, ambition is seen as a heart breaker, dissatisfaction and above all, disappointment.

I was once told that life in America would have no obstacles, and anyone who objected to this sentiment was simply ungrateful. However, success is simply not served on a silver platter, but the knowledge of knowing that a future exists with us working hard is priceless. In Melissa Flemming's TedTalk "Lets Immigrants Thrive, Not Just Survive," she articulates that in order for the American society to fully function with immigrants, equal opportunities of education for them must be granted. She also explained the importance of education through a story. She often asked immigrants what it was they took with them when their lives were endangered and they had to flee. A man named Ali said that in a time of deep crisis, took his high school diploma, because he simply could not live without it. Education and ambition are one of the many privileges this country has to offer. It opens doors for opportunity, satisfaction and success.

However, with great power comes great responsibility, and this sentiment is an immense portrayal of the responsibility we hold as Americans. In a way, we are in deep debt to this country. We must spend our lives committed to being involved in our communities and being the change we want to see in the world.