My parents came to the United States pursuing the same goal that millions of other foreigners pursued: a better future for their children. Actually, they found it. Nowhere else in the world would I have had so many opportunities. It's simple: the best universities in the world are located in the United States and I am lucky enough to attend one of them. So, I'm a product of the American idea: If you work hard, you'll make it in life. If not, at least I'm getting there. While I have been fortunate to have countless opportunities, my parents were not so fortunate. They definitely worked hard, sometimes working two jobs just to make sure we were comfortable. So why hasn't the rags to riches story been true for us. 15 years have passed. Well, I firmly believe that that story is currently being written, through me. Every family's experience is different. I have friends whose parents did the same thing my parents did and discovered gold mines shortly after they arrived. I also have friends whose story is similar, but who are worse off than us. It's a gamble, but a gamble worth it. I am a firm believer that hard work pays off sooner or later and that is American