In the years past, many saw the USA as a place of opportunity, a way to grow themselves, experience culture, and promote freedom. However, in the years that have passed, this has come to change. Today, we cower in fear over corrupt politicians, rights being taken away, new rules on discipline, and wanting to build a wall to block out those that we are told are a danger to our own safety. What we don't realize is that we are only a threat to ourselves. We aren't taking time to analyze what is happening, all we can do is point fingers and make assumptions. What we need to realize is that America should not be great, but should be an example of how great a country can be by working together and listening to our problems, without having to get others involved. This is not a letter to any politician, nor is it to the current president, but to every United States citizen that is out there reading this.

As a college student, I have gotten to know many international students at my college. Many say the US is OK, that's it. What makes someone want to leave America, even if it just to visit for the experience, is the stereotypes. We live off of what the media tells us, and this is not fair to anyone, even those who come over to experience and gain an opportunity for a fresh start. Not everyone we meet is out to get us. However, the media wants us to believe that. What we need to realize, is that the media over exaggerates things to the point where every one is pointing a finger at someone. Being a student who also tried out the Journalism field, I can say that from personal experience, everything is sugarcoated and not as up to date as most events. Diving into these stories head first will only make us look worse.

These are in my own words, and this what I have to say. Learn the facts, do research, read, and listen for key points before judging. If we desire to be an example of a great nation, we need to work together to fight off problems that are within our own country first, and then go from there. Listen to each citizen, organization, and kick out the corrupted and bring in someone who will be there for the people and can say we are an example that a nation can be great, not this nation can be great again.

I am proud to say I am an American, but I can't be proud when we can't be that example again. If we really want to show we are an example, lend a hand to those that need it most. Learn from each other, where we each came from, and the reasons as to why we, yourself and your family, came to the USA. If we want to be proud, we need to shed our pride in the right way, and give the right examples without thinking violence is the only answer. In today's world, it is scary, but if we show we are an example through teamwork, we can say that we are a fair example of being a great country. Let's go back to the time when we had our reasons to show we are an example. So instead of saying we will be great again, show those that come to our country, that we are an example of a great nation.