Fulfilling a dream — Jon Wells
As the United States turns 250 years old, I find myself reflecting on the American Dream and how I am a product of that promise.
In the 1960s my mother and her family immigrated from Cuba fleeing communist oppression. They viewed the United States as a land of opportunity, a place where democracy flourished and rights protected dissent.
The early years were not easy ones. There was no money; they left their homes, property and jobs. Each person took only one small suitcase of clothes. Two families with four adults and cousins, nephews, nieces, sisters and brothers all shared a cramped two-bedroom apartment.
It is from these humble origins I reflect on my own and my family’s success. My mother was 12 when she immigrated. She spoke no English, yet went on to become an excellent student, earning a bachelor’s degree and master’s in biology. She instilled in me the value of education. The American Dream can be achieved by those who work hard, learn a skill, and follow their passions.
The American Dream promises economic opportunities. In one generation, immigrants can achieve a thriving life, and I am an example of this. Through merit and hard work, and the support of my family, I studied and followed my love of history, eventually earning a PhD.
For the last 20 years I have been fortunate to be able to share that passion with hundreds of students not just from Allen County, but across the United States and around the world. Every day I get the opportunity to share my passion and ignite a quest for knowledge. As Americans, we are proud of our history. Every city, county, and town in the United States has those dedicated to preserving their unique story, and I am proud to be just one small footnote in ours.
The American Dream promises that all may participate in the political system, and that citizens, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion, may run for office. When I moved to Iola, had someone told me I’d be mayor of town, I would have given dozens of reasons why that wasn’t possible. I wasn’t local, I wasn’t born here, my name was unknown, no one would vote for a random academic to lead their city. But the American political promise shows that Americans are welcoming, that they judge on ideas, they cast their ballot on success, and they will gladly speak against a government when they do not believe it is acting in accordance with their ballot. The trust the citizens have placed in me are not forgotten. They are the American dream.
Lastly, the American Dream is a social dream. It is a promise we can meet and express ideas, while we have political differences we come together as neighbors and friends. We can gather in Elks and Mason lodges, stadiums, parks, churches, and theaters. We set aside our political differences to build a vibrant community.
When I moved to Iola the thing that struck me most was the openness and welcome environment. Show up to any of these places more than a couple times and someone will ask you if you want to be more involved, sit on a board, help with a Friday meal, or simply ask how we get more people involved. We accept new ideas and new people into our system, we make them part of the community.
As America turns 250, I want to thank the generations that came before me and my family that safeguarded the promises to create a system where the son of a Cuban migrant could follow his passions and find success.
About the author: Jon Wells is an instructor of history and political science at Allen Community College and also represents Ward 1 on the Iola Council.
A glorious patchwork — Elizabeth Wilcox
One of the things I love most about America is the incredible beauty of the land we share. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to visit many of our nation’s National Parks. From mountains and forests to deserts, canyons, and coastlines, each landscape is different, yet each is unmistakably part of the same country. That variety is part of what makes America so remarkable.
I think the same is true of the people who call this country home. We come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, yet those differences have always been part of America’s story. Rather than something to fear, our diversity is something to celebrate. It broadens our perspectives, strengthens our communities, and reminds us that we all have something to contribute. Just as every national park has something to offer, so do the people who make up our communities.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I think about the future and the kind of country my kids will inherit. I hope they will have the opportunity to stand in awe of the same breathtaking lands that have inspired generations before them.
But even more, I hope they grow up in an America that honors the diversity of its people just as much as the beauty and diversity of its landscapes — a country where everyone belongs, everyone thrives, and each person is valued.
To me, that’s an America worth celebrating and preserving for the next 250 years.
