Leaving Behind a Better Country

Anonymous

“To Leave Behind a Country Better Than the One We Were Left.” Before COVID, my family and I would go on family vacations and stay in Air-B-n-B’s. Since they didn’t have maids like hotels would, my mom would always remind us to leave the room better than when we first came. This was a way to show respect and to make sure that the person after us would have a clean, enjoyable stay, despite our own experience. On January 20, 2021, we were inspired by the words of Amanda Gorman, reminding us to, “leave behind a country better than the one we were left.” As someone familiar to the phrase, it was a reminder that everybody has a different perspective of America. Some may believe it is the greatest country in the world, while others believe it is a country that is unable to recognize its wrongs. Despite your perspective of America, if we all have the goal to leave it better than what we had, our America would look much different. We don’t need to wait for political figures to make the changes that we want to see. If we believe in creating a better tomorrow for others, we can begin with figuring out what we dislike, and change it. Sometimes it is easier said than done; however, every powerful change that has taken place in this country began with one person that wanted to make the America they knew different. So as citizens, or residents, of this country that has given us so many opportunities, may we allow our respect and love turn into actions that will create a better America for those after us.

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