How Can I Be A Good American? by: Emma Liu

 

How Can I Be A Good American?

by: Emma Liu  

    Good Americans are teachers, officers, and workers. They spread joy, happiness, and kindness, and give help to those in need. Although, good Americans can be much more than just those who contribute to the whole of society. The boy who held the door open this morning, the neighbor next door who brought over soup, and even the stranger walking down the street who offered an umbrella can be good Americans. In truth, every single one of us has “good American” trees that root, grow and branch inside. It shapes the basis of who one is and becomes the guide across the complex paths of life. However, whether one chooses to nurture and bring it out to share with others, or neglect it and bury it deep down, is the difference that causes the ridges of separation.

    Early on in youth, children are taught to show kindness to others. To treat one another with respect, and to grow with morality are but the seeds of the tree that settle inside and are ready to sprout. 

As the seed rests, rain and sunlight from others nourish it and encourage it to grow, forming a sapling. Each time someone passes along a good deed or makes a day better, the sapling from within receives a splash of rain and a ray of sunshine. With the others around the sapling influencing it to spread kindness and set the standard of good, the small tree slowly branches out. Through seeing the trees of others turn frowns into smiles and scowls into laughter, the young tree further strengthens its own roots and learns to do the same. 

Given time, the sapling grows and becomes a “good American” tree that no longer needs nourishment from others. Instead, its morals and roots have firmed, and it sets the example for younger trees. Though the tree may not directly affect the advancement of society, it spreads more good in the community as a whole. Every day it works to provide rain and sunlight for others and shape America and humanity for the better.