My small Utah town taught me what a more united America could look like

RANDOLPH — America is more than just a country; it is a diverse and mighty place. A place that has survived wars, political conflicts, disease and national heartbreak. From slavery to poverty, our beautiful country has seen it all, at its best and its worst. To me, America means power, freedom, and the ability to move forward even after tragedies.

Living in a small town like Randolph has also made my love for America grow. Randolph is a remote place in northern Utah near Bear Lake where almost everyone knows each other. My mentors at school — teachers and coaches — also live in and help in my community.

Growing up in a community like this has taught me how important unity is. Even though everyone has different lives, opinions, and experiences, we still come together and look out for one another. In a way, I think Randolph has shown me what America can be at its best. America is made up of so many different people, but what holds us together is our ability to come together and support one another. Living in a small town has helped me see that unity isn’t just an idea; it is something I have experienced throughout my life.

I feel a huge sense of pride talking about this country, especially when I place my right hand on my heart and am graced with the sounds of freedom and triumph whilst looking to our nation’s flag. Before sports events, Monday mornings at school, and at fallen soldiers’ funerals, we have the privilege to look upon our 50 stars and 13 stripes and listen to our nation’s anthem.

Recently, on the 25^th anniversary of 9/11 I was at our school’s football game. The announcer spoke and asked for a moment of silence for those who risked their lives during that tragic time. Listening to the stillness of our town spoke to me and I felt myself shed a few tears. Sadness and respect broke over everyone there who was in personal solitude for the same reason. This was a perfect example of our nation feeling united once again.

America also represents opportunity. It is known as a place for people to start over or shape their dreams. I strongly believe the younger generation, including myself, has the power to keep America growing strong. We have the power to take what has happened in the past and take it to the most positive level and change society for the better.

I hope to see myself in the future making history memorable in a wonderful way. I hope to be seen as kind, strong, and independent. I want to be a part of a future that holds those standards. I want to live in a more united America where people can disagree without treating each other like enemies. I want our future America to be more accepting, where people who come from different backgrounds can be accepted and respected.

I believe I am already taking steps toward the future I want for myself and for America. Through serving others and trying to be kind to the people around me, I am learning how small actions can make a difference in someone’s life.

An example of this is my school’s Unified Sports team. It’s an opportunity for students to volunteer to play a bunch of high-school sports with kids with disabilities. It’s been a great way for me to meet new peers from other schools and make sure everyone is included no matter what. It was so much fun getting to play soccer and being able to feel unity with the different teams.

I am also working on building good habits that will help me become more independent, responsible, and strong. Preparing to go on a mission for my church after high school is another way I am working toward these goals. I know that serving a mission will give me opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds, learn from their experiences, and understand others better.

I hope these experiences will help me become a more accepting person who is willing to listen and serve, even when someone has different beliefs or opinions than I do. I may not be changing the entire country right now, but I believe that becoming the kind of person I want to see in America is a good place to start.

Even after everything America has been through, why am I still proud to call it my home?

This is a deep question that I have repeatedly asked myself. The answer is simple: it’s my home. America has and always will be my home. It has given my family and I a place to live and grow and create memories. It has opportunities waiting for me and has given me a place of comfort. It has given me the belief in the power of unity.

I know that one day this is where I want to raise my future family. I want to show my future kids that no matter what struggles they go through, they can grow from them and come back stronger than when they fell. America has given our world the smartest, bravest, and loving people that have made the world what it is today, and I know that that’s what makes this country so beautiful. America is not perfect, but it is my home, and I will always believe in what it can become.

Note to readers • This contest was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune, Spy Hop and Amplify Utah. It was supported through a grant from the American Journalism Project.