What is an American?

     Technically? It's someone with citizenship in the Americas, but there is a whole other meaning assigned to the word. My take on it is that an American is someone who strives for better not only for their benefit, but for the benefit of many. Now, I can't say that is the only thing an American does, because I consider myself to be an American... but what am I doing to help the people in my community?
I think that passion plays a big role in someone's identity as an American. Sheesh, this is slightly frustrating because I was to give "American" a textbook definition, but I know that is nearly impossible.  Being American is being anything.

      Both my parents are teachers and though they sometimes lose patience with their work, they continue because they like it--they like to know that they are making a difference. My sister's boyfriend is in the army--stationed in Germany-- and even though he isn't all too thrilled about the war in general, he has risked his life to not only protect his homeland, but also other people threatened during this time.
So what have I done? Sheesh, nothing but go to college, but I guess that's a good enough start for now.