I love America because this is the only country in the world, where if  you really want you can become successful.   At the young age of ten, I arrived in New York, not knowing a single word of English.  Six months later I was fluent, thus began my love affair with AMERICA THE GREAT!

So many opportunities at my beckon call, I took advantage of every single one of them.  Did I encounter some setbacks?  Of course I did.  Did I use that as an excuse to keep me bound in fear and disenchantment? I am forever the optimist.  I like to surround myself with people who sees the glass half full not half empty.

I know that there is a dark side to America, I have been subjected to many racial injustices,  the worst being what I was subjected to  in college.  Guess what, I chose to  find the glimmer of light , and decided  you have to forgive and move on.  Yes I encountered some bad, but God on the other hand placed in my path  a wonderful nun (Sister Marie Helene from France)  I will never forget her as long as I live.  Her compassion and love wiped away the hurt I suffered under the other professors.  Life can throw us some curb balls, it is up to us to decide what to do with that ball.  In my case, the bad experiences propelled me to want to prove those idiot professors wrong.  NO, A   RESOUNDING NO! I  refuse to allow another person's fear  to deter my desire to accomplish that which I want.  Life is too short, I prefer to move on.

I also believe it is  imperative that I share my successes with the less fortunate.  I donate money  to many charitable organizations.  I am a part of a group that send money and clothing to Haiti.  You have to give back. I donate to a fund that feeds the hungry in my local community.  I  donate to an organization that provides toys and food for children during Christmas.  The least I can do is to extend a helping hand to those in need.

So America, I love you because you have given me ample  opportunities to become who I am today.  I will forever sing your praises.  I know you are not perfect, but you are definitely a KEEPER!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!