My parents came to the United States pursuing the same goal that millions of other foreigners were pursuing: a better future for their children. Honestly, they found it. I wouldn't have had as many opportunities anywhere else in the world. It's simple: the best universities in the world are in the United States and I am lucky to attend one. So I am a product of the American idea: if you work hard, you will succeed in life. If not, at least I'm on my way. Although I had countless opportunities, my parents were not so lucky. They sure 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? It's been 15 years. Well, I firmly believe that this story is being written, through me. Every family's experience is different. I have friends whose parents did the same thing as my parents and discovered gold mines shortly after they arrived. I also have friends whose story is similar, but who are in a worse situation than us. It's a gamble, but a gamble worth taking. I firmly believe that hard work pays off sooner or later, and that is the American philosophy.