Growing up, watching the Olympics was always something that I eagerly looked forward to. While both winter and summer olympics are entertaining, I am particularly fond of the summer olympics. I remember being in high school and watching the opening ceremonies of the London Olympics with one of my best friends. Our faces were painted in patriotic colors and we screamed USA whenever the opportunity arose. I remember my mom showing me one of her favorite songs, "One Moment in Time" by Whitney Houston - which was sung during the opening ceremonies of the 1988 summer olympics. So to recap, fond memories always come to mind when I think of the Olympics. While the competition itself isn't really something that the average person can relate to (believe me - I am WAY too out of shape to be an Olympian), the world-wide event is something that this country desperately needs right now.

To put it bluntly, we are a nation divided. Hate and disagreements have turned us into a country full of conflict and turmoil. It seems that with each new day comes a new issue, tragedy, or conflict that must be resolved. Terrible shootings, often initiated as an attempt to resolve conflict, have also become all too common. Not to mention the hateful words that are continued to be exchanged between fellow Americans. Whether it be about the presidential election or any other hot topic, it appears that instead of respecting our differences and working hard to create harmony - we are only increasing the divide. Despite the chaos that is beginning to swarm our country, there is still hope and the Rio Olympics is that hope.

One of the most beautiful parts about watching the Olympics, is seeing the years of blood, sweat, and tears pay off for the athlete. This is their dream. Their whole lives have been about this one moment. The one moment where they can represent the United States of America in the biggest sporting event in the world. Imagine if every American applied the drive and dedication of an Olympic athlete to their own lives? in this case, instead of being harnessed athletically, it is used to promote love, peace, and harmony? Olympics athletes also teach us the importance of overcoming obstacles in a positive and hard working way. Olympians don't quit - they just don't. It's not in their DNA. This country needs to remember the importance of embracing obstacles and finding encouraging ways to resolve conflict. Olympians are the perfect example of that.

Like most sporting events, they are the perfect opportunity for people to put aside their personal differences and have a great time. Works for the Super Bowl, March Madness, World Series, etc. But what makes the Olympics so special, is that we are all rooting for the same team. We are all team USA. Unlike the other sporting organizations in this country, here is no divide with the Olympics. Thats the beauty of this whole thing. Despite the tragedy that has occurred in recent events, the Rio Olympics provides the opportunity for us all to come together and cheer for the country we call home. There is nothing more harmonious than that.

The United States is a wonderful country and one that I am very proud to be a part of. This country has provided me with limitless amounts of opportunities to better myself and I couldn't imagine a better place to be. I am so proud to be an American. We may be going through a little bit of a rough patch, but I am confident that we will rise above. It's what we do. We are revolutionary. All we need is a little love and a dash of camaraderie - and what better way to work towards that goal than at the olympics.