I am proud to be an American.

I grew up with a strong work ethic, had incredible strength of will and was raised to believe I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. My family was poor (literally, we did not have enough food for us five kids), yet, we believed in ourselves and weren’t afraid to work hard to accomplish our dreams.

And that is exactly what we did. Along with other Americans, we became doctors, engineers, psychologists, cab drivers, movie stars, construction workers, beauticians, nurses — even presidents of the United States.

And even though we, the people, have our faults, the American way of life is good and beautiful.

And even though this country is going through hard times, it is worth loving and fighting for. There is no other country like it.

I am proud to be an American.

Sybilla Pettingill, Hartford