This essay, by Dominic from Thomas B. Doherty High School, is one of the top five finalists for our scholarship. Be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section below this post!
Imagine looking at a map of our country. Doubtless, it depicts geography and the locations of states, lakes, and cities of prominence. Yet, a map reveals more than that; looked at with keener eyes, a map depicts society. This then begs the question: where is Colorado and what does the answer mean? Well, Colorado is just about centered on the map; it’s at the very heart of our country. This is obvious; but what does it mean? It means that – throughout history and still today – to get from one place to another, travelers go through Colorado. It means that we’re constantly influenced by the states around us; we’re not isolated – we have states on all sides. It means that we were one of the lastplaces affected by European colonization; it didn’t start from the center and work its way out – it started from the coasts and worked its way in. These are conclusions I’ve drawn from the map – strictly from geography. Intriguingly, these geographical conclusions seem to describe our society acutely. We’re right in the middle; we’re a mix of all things. We’re the centrist in a debate, holding an amalgam of viewpoints that together align perfectly with no party. We’re not huddled with similar states in a corner of the country; we’re at the center, seeing differing perspectives all around us. Coloradans have roots all over the country; our inhabitants are transplants; their roots are burrowed in the soils of other states, but they’ve branched out and created a new home. Because of this, our culture is diverse and comprised of many cultures. What I love about Colorado Springs – what makes it a great place to live – is that it dons the identity of Colorado and wears it well; it’s a city colored by myriad cultures, diverse populations, and the rich histories of inhabitants who hail from all over.
One reason for our city’s diversity is the noteworthy presence of the military. Our town is a military town; it functions as a home to multiple bases, including Schriever Air Force Base, Fort Carson, and Peterson Air Force Base, as well as the nation’s only Air Force Academy. This strong military presence decidedly influences the populace and culture of Colorado Springs. Members of the military hail from nationwide and constantly change location; many of them have origins outside of the city and state. Hence, people from elsewhere overwhelm our city, adding to its diversity. What’s more, the military worker brings his spouse and children with him. I know countless “military kids” who attend my high school; their parents have been all over the country, and so have they. Furthermore, the recurring phenomenon of military men and women marrying foreigners while stationed overseas and bringing them back to the USA, and ultimately Colorado Springs, has augmented the growth of diversity in the city. I can personally affirm this; while my grandfather, an Army vet, was stationed in Germany, he met and married my grandmother. They now live in Colorado Springs, and they’re the reason I do too. I can thank the military for my biological existence as well as the location of my childhood residence. Regardless, by marrying foreigners, military veterans have introduced Colorado Springs to new and different cultures. Another reason for our diversity stems from Colorado Springs’ identity as the Olympic City. Six thousand feet above sea level and home to the nation’s flagship Olympic Training Center, this city truly is the desired destination for aspiring athletes. Of course, American Olympic competitors come from across the country. When they come here to train, and sometimes stay, they bring their backgrounds and cultures with them, adding flavor to Colorado Springs.
Having now explained some of the key components of the city’s diversity, I want to expound my personal experience with it and the reasons why I believe it makes Colorado Springs a great place to live. I’ve experienced the diversity of this city firsthand. When I walk through the Garden of the Gods or Palmer Park, I hear a variety of languages, including Russian, Spanish, Arabic, German, and others I can’t recognize. During my sophomore year on my high school’s tennis team, our best player was an exchange student from Thailand who was professionally ranked in the junior leagues in his home country. One of my good friends, whom I also met through tennis, is a Muslim who was born in Egypt. Multiple times, I’ve seen men on horses crossing main roads in urban parts of town. In Colorado Springs, I’ve seen a hoodie for every sports team out there – college or professional. Even I exemplify my point; I was born in Michigan and continue to hold ties to that state. In Colorado Springs, I’ve never gone out of my way to seek out people who aren’t like me; they’re all around and impossible to ignore. They make up the populace of this city. I’m one of them. In Colorado Springs, anyone and anything goes. In my opinion, this is an outstanding quality for a city to have. Because of this diversity, I’m able to meet and forge friendships with people from other states and countries and witness the cultures of those unlike me. In turn, these experiences expand my worldview, open my mind to new ideas and perspectives, build my base of knowledge, and strengthen my ability to communicate and cooperate with others. I believe that the diversity of Colorado Springs makes it a great place to live.
Love this essay!
I’m certainly not a writing critic; however, I love the way Dominic takes this essay from the macro (center of the country, migrations from the coasts to the center) to the micro (the diversity of the city population, his personal experiences). He wrote of things I hadn’t ever thought about. So the reader is also learning something!
Diversity is an important topic today. Our young people seem to “get” that better than many of us. I, too, live in a very diverse city, a big university town. I, too love hearing all the languages, meeting people with different views, religions, ethnicities. It expands my world view almost as well as travel does.
Dominic does a great job educating and informing his readers. Excellent essay!
The wonderful diversity of Colorado Springs is in thanks of the geography. The fact we are in the middle of everything gives us the great pleasure of meeting people from all around. I love how you worded this and wish you the best of luck!!
Wonderful job Dominic! Wishing you all the best!
Well written. You deserve so much recognition. You’ve worked hard and pushed yourself and it shows. I’m proud of you.
Your conclusion that “these experiences expand my worldview, open my mind to new ideas and perspectives, build my base of knowledge, and strengthen my ability to communicate and cooperate with others” is a wise one, Dominic, and so important in the global neighborhood that today’s technology has created. Keep up the great work in college!
What a great essay. Colorado Springs is wonderful because of its diversity.
This eassy was not only informative but inspirational. Having never been to Colorado at all…as a person of African American descent… I had always perceived Colorado to be closed minded racially. I had no desire to visit there. I have now changed my mind.
Lol Essay… I meant to type Essay
What a great description of the City/StateI live in and love. I was brought to this great state as a child of a military man and we all fell in love and retired here. Great job Dominic.
Great job Dominic!
What an amazing bright young man. He is going PLACES! Good luck.
Amazing writing and really great subject matter! As an English major way back when I also appreciate the creative vocabulary. My vote is for you!
Wonderful essay Dominic!
Young men like Dominic give me hope that his generation will leave this city, this country and this world a better place.
There are more things that unite us than divide us. Great essay.
This is the best essay by far!
…. A great view of why Colorado and the city of Colorado Springs are a great place to live and grow up …of course , I like the fact that we have sunshine almost all year long and our air freshness is second to none. Of course , the mountains are amazing as well …. good job Dominic !!!
Great Job Dominic!
Great job-it almost makes me want to move to Colorado Springs, but I can’t since I already live here. You have my vote. Very best of luck to you compadre.
Very well-written review of the evolution and benefits people experience living in the Springs. It’s very apparent the writer is open-minded and appreciative of the simple pleasures in life.
Thank you everyone for reading my Grandsons Scholarship Essa and your very nice comments.
I may be just a little partial, however I believe Dominic has the skills and leadership qualities
it takes to be successful in any endeavor he chooses.
I REALLY LIKED YOUR ESSA !
I don`t know what happened to my first comment ? For some reason it was not published.
After reading his Essa, I believe Dominic has the skills and leadership qualities to help him
be successful in any endeavor he chooses !
GREAT ESSA !
Great essay! Love it!
I enjoyed reading this essay. I have been here for about 20+ years and I to moved here due to the Military. But reading this I have learned a lot more about the city that I call home now. This has brought me to a greater appreciation to Colorado. Great job Dominic.
Very very good . My wife and I have lived in Colorado Springs nearly 34 years now . The Air Force brought us here in 1985. I have been to all 50 states and the “Springs is probably the best place to live. I was born and raised in New Jersey, and my wife in Brooklyn, New York .
Great essay! It is very well written.
My first thought after reading this essay by Dominic was, “What an articulate young man”. I like how he began by using a map to show we were in the heart of the country; how we are influenced by other states around us. Referring to Coloradans: “their roots are burrowed in the soils of other states, but they’ve branched out and created a new home.” Years ago, there was a bumper sticker locally that read: “Colorado; I’m not a native, but I got here as quickly as I could.” I love it. We truly are a melting pot; one of the reasons I’ve loved it for the past 35 years. I like that the influx of military bringing other cultures here was mentioned, and how he tied it to his own family history with his grandfather being a soldier, and bringing his bride home from overseas. He then finishes it up with reflection on personal experiences with friends from other cultures. So much thought went into this essay. I truly enjoyed it.