Upwardly Global Independence Day Essay Competition

Independence Day is a time to feel a sense of pride in our nation's democratic past, a time to renew our sense of hope for our collective future, and a time to reflect on what it means to live in a country built upon a multitude of nationalities and ethnicities. 

To celebrate Independence Day, Upwardly Global asked its jobseekers, alumni, volunteers and staff, “Why is America's diverse immigrant history important to our future?”  Thanks to all who shared their thoughtful responses. Below are the winning essays:

Essay #1: Edith Yeung

Why do people still want to come to America despite the miles of red tape?  I can’t speak for all immigrants.  As for me…it is the freedom.   Freedom to dream.  Freedom to think.  Freedom to act.  If you dream it, you can get it.   This luxury is not common in most countries but we can find it here. Being free to pursue your dream is everything.

Millions of people immigrate to the US every year without knowing a word of English or having much money.  I was one of them 14 years ago.  We work hard.  We never complain.  All we want is the opportunity to serve.  All we want is to be free.   

Edith Yeung
Upwardly Global Volunteer
Motivational Speaker & Author (http://www.edithyeung.com/)

Essay #2: Fiesseha Berhanu

Back in high school, my teacher was an American Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia , who happened to be from California. He used to tell us that of all the holidays, Independence day is the most significant and that we must respect those holidays that commemorate the country’s independence. Being teenagers, we were keener to listen to new releases of “rock ‘n roll” music than listen to our teachers.

We were not able to understand then, as we know now, that July 4 is the day when the birth of a country which upholds the values of freedom, equality and democracy was made true. We were unable to grasp then, like we now understand, that celebrating America ’s Independence Day is celebrating the birth of a country where the persecuted gain refuge and the enlightened have the opportunity to use their capability in the utmost possible way.

I am happy for getting the opportunity to immigrate to the U.S., to witness the practice of equality and justice, to be able to live in the place where fairness is practiced, equality is upheld and law and order are respected.

America, being built by people from all the nations of the world, is the country which will be capable of being the leader in globalizing the world and will remain strong due to the power it gains from its immigrants.

Fiesseha Berhanu
Upwardly Global Jobseeker
Manufacturing Manager, Ethiopia

Essay #3: Christina Fialho

Though born and raised in California, I had always thought of myself as Portuguese American.  The smell of my America was linguiça and the taste massa cevada (sweet bread).   

When I was thirteen, my father showed me his first home in America .  The house was on 98th Ave in Oakland, less than a block away from what would have been the Black Panthers' Headquarters in 1967.  Immigrating from a small fishing village in the Azores, my Dad found himself at 10 years old, falling asleep listening to gun shots.

As a child, I did not know fear because my father had spent his whole life working to provide his family with the American dream.  He successfully integrated himself into American culture and yet never lost his Portuguese identity.  I am Portuguese American and the fact that I can proudly say this is what I celebrate on 4th of July.

Christina Fialho
Upwardly Global Staff Member
Program Coordinator, SF Office

Essay #4: Carlos Monteagudo

America 's diverse immigrant history has been part of my story since before I was born.  In May 1962, my dad's life completely changed.  He gave up everything he had in Cuba -- and was involuntarily separated from his wife and children for 3 years -- all for the sake of building a life for us in the United States.   Needless to say, the American dream was worth the risk.  Forty-five years later, no political power has ever separated us.  We are united, successful and blessed.   We reap the rewards of our labors every time we open our eyes and enjoy the gifts of this great country.   My father's risk-taking spirit and self-sacrifice have been, and will always be, part of my being & inspiration.   All immigrants deserve the opportunity to live that experience.

Carlos Monteagudo
Upwardly Global Employer Partner and Volunteer
Sr. Recruiter, JPMorgan Chase