A Deeply Personal Toast

I'd like to raise a glass to the country that gave my little family a chance.

I came to America in early 2000s to earn a Ph.D. A university believed in my talent, sponsored my work visa, and later my green card. I brought my toddler son here because I believed he would have opportunities I could never promise him elsewhere. An adult now, he identifies as an American and is still optimistic about his and the country's future.

I didn't come here to become uber-rich. I mean, it would be nice but that wasn't the goal. I always wanted to be in education and it doesn't pay much anyway. More than wealth, I came here for the rule of law, merit over connections, and the belief that no one, not even the most powerful person in the country, is above the Constitution.

Lately, I find myself wondering where that promise is headed. Not because I've stopped believing in America, but because I still do.

So here's to the next 250 years. May this nation remain the place people run toward, not the place they someday feel compelled to leave.

To America's ideals: May they always outlive its politicians. Cheers.

If you'd like to participate in my challenge, here are the rules: