Building the American Dream: Life and Success Lessons from an Immigrant

I want to share with you my story as an immigrant in the United States, a country where I have lived for over 20 years and achieved a level of success that I am pleased to share. My intention is to guide those who wish to come to this country or who are already here, so they can learn from my experiences and, perhaps, I can learn something from them as well.

The United States is known as a great country, a beautiful and magnificent place that attracts millions of immigrants. Although not everything is perfect and there are disappointments, such as the hard work required, there is something that makes it great: opportunity.

Opportunity in the United States

In my early days in the United States, I started by washing dishes at a university and selling shoes. Although I did not arrive as a lawyer nor did I speak English, I quickly found work. This concept of opportunity is crucial. In our countries of origin, finding work can be difficult, but here, even as a student, I was able to work and study at the same time.

Over time, I understood that this opportunity is not limited to employment, but extends to education and other aspects of life. Despite challenges such as the lack of a work permit or social connections, these opportunities are accessible. This country does not face the same problems of security and violence that affect education and personal advancement in other places, although it is not exempt from its own challenges.

Entrepreneurship and Taking Risks

In the United States, people are encouraged to try their own ideas and to believe in themselves. As a lawyer, I have seen many families face financial difficulties, but there is always a safety net, such as bankruptcy laws, that allows people to take risks without fear of losing everything. This fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to take calculated risks.

The Importance of Family and Independence

Another aspect I have observed is the value of family and independence. In American culture, the family tends to be a smaller and legally defined nucleus, different from the broad family network that characterizes many Latin cultures. I learned a lot from living with an American family and marrying an American woman. I observed how responsibilities are shared and how the concept of family influences everyday life.

In the United States, both independence and interdependence are emphasized. Although we value independence, we also recognize the importance of depending on others, such as in a marriage or a business partnership. This interdependence is reflected in how American families face challenges together, sharing responsibilities and supporting each other.

The Fabric of the American Nation

The concept of family, combined with the ability to take risks and seize opportunities, is fundamental in the structure of American society. The nation is built on the idea that each person can try something new, create employment, and contribute to the economy. This system not only offers protection through laws like bankruptcy but also promotes the idea of believing in oneself and others.

From the perspective of an immigrant and a lawyer, I have observed that the United States is a great nation not only because of its economy or government but also because of its people and culture. The nation is built on the idea that each individual has the power to change their life and contribute to the common good.

In summary, the opportunity to believe in ourselves and in others is what makes the United States a great nation. The combination of a system that encourages personal initiative with a strong family core and interdependence creates a unique environment for growth and success. Whether we are immigrants or native-born citizens, we all have the opportunity to seize these opportunities and make them count.

Watch this video, where I talk more about this: