I turned in semester grades early Monday morning and then spent most of the day doing nothing. As I soaked in the holiday spirit, I took a moment to quietly reflect on my life and career. I am not sure this life, for me, would have been possible anywhere except in the United States.
I have had the privilege of traveling extensively around the world, and am always happiest when I come home. Over the years I have learned that given all our problems in this country — from the latest heath care fiasco, to the overall political mess that boggles my mind — there is still no place like America.
I grew up in India and love my family dearly, but there are just not a lot of places where one can go with two suitcases and a few dollars, and make a life for himself. Even today, America is the land of opportunity and then some. Our young people seldom recognize the opportunity available to them, because they have never seen the lack of it.
As I count my blessings, I thank the good God above for this opportunity to live and work in a place so close to my heart. Maybe that’s why I get goose bumps every time I hear the national anthem?
I was one of the lucky ones. For me, opportunity knocked twice — I took it the second time around……..
About Hemant Rustogi