Happy July 4th! It’s been a minute and then some since I’ve written here, because pesky final exams for my first year of med school got in the way, but I’m back for the long haul (meal planning for the fall will hopefully free up more writing time for me!).

I’ve always loved Independence Day (hello, fireworks!), but there’s been nothing like this past year abroad to make me truly appreciate this wonderful country I grew up in. Although I’ve lived abroad before, this past year has made me acutely aware of the world’s views on Americans (and Texans). A lot of the perceptions stem from various sources – American movies or people met in passing while travelling – and for some, the views could cause a bit of self-consciousness. But for me, I think the things that might render Americans unsavory to some are the things that most endear me to them. Yep, I’m talking about things like the food… we certainly do serve somewhat “bigger” portions here in comparison to other countries, but nowhere else can I find the deliciousness that is Chick-Fil-A. But I’m also talking about things like the intense sense of patriotism, the general kindness of people toward one another (especially toward strangers, at least in Texas), and the work ethic evident in many of our citizens.

So I’ll take the American jokes any day. Because it means that I’m part of an amazing country where 239 years ago, our forefathers had the mettle, the courage, and the ambition to declare our independence and start us on the path to where we are today. I couldn’t be more proud to be an American than I am today. Happy Independence Day!