In my opinion, the fourth of July celebration is important. I know about the facts related to history and about the wars and the army. But today, the fourth of July, I’m not thinking about history. My experiences in North America is what I’m remembering and celebrating.

I have lived in the United States for a long time and living there has being good for me. For example, I’m the type of person that is interested in getting to know people from all over the world. Living in the United States has giving me that opportunity. When I was living in New York I met different people and I learned about their culture and language. It is true that I can learn about a country’s history and language in a book, but I enjoy talking with people. The one on one dynamic, with a person that dreams in a language that is not mine, is important to me.

For the last ten years I have met people from Italy, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Japan, Brazil, and many other places that probably I will never visit. I have worked with this people.  I have discussed important topics such as education, economy and the differences and similarities between our languages. On days like Thanksgiving  my friends from India have invited me to their house. Friday’s afternoon I have gone out to eat Russian food, with my Russian friends. Friends that were born and  grew up in what they consider the Great Russia.

Meeting so many people face to face has helped me to realize that there is a world out there. Here, in the United States, I have met people from so many places and I have shared so many memories with them! I’m thankful to this country. I’m thankful to the United States for allowing so many people, from so many places to live here. So today, on the fourth of July, I’m celebrating that living in the United States has been my international experience.

T.B.F.