Proud to Be An American - The Philly Experience

24 hours was all I had, but I made sure every hour counted.
 
I could tell you everything that I did in Philly, but there’s something else I want to discuss with you. If you are interested in seeing what I did during my 24 hours in Philly take a look at my Philly highlights and photos at the end of this article.
 
What I want to talk about is how Philly made me feel. From the minute I woke up, I felt more patriotic. I felt DAMN PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! I was so excited to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell for the first time. I mean come on, how many times do you get to see the room where your country was created.

I knew my morning of being a touristy historian was going to get me thinking about the current state of America and my place in it. What happened though was much more; I became consumed with feelings of pride and inspiration.
 
As I listened to the tour guide talk about Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alex Hamilton and everyone else as if they were sitting in the room, I couldn’t have been more proud.
 
It just felt right. It felt right to know that these people, while they may not have been perfect, took a stand and risked their lives to create a document that would forever change the world. Literally, these men wrote a document that changed the outcome of the world as we know it. Talk about having influence and leaving a legacy…
 
Forget the fact that they were part of the creation of the greatest country in the world. At the time all they wanted to do was to break free from Great Britain’s rule. They were willing to stand up to injustice in hope for a better life, for freedom. That, to me, is courage, inspiration, and power!
 
I don’t know if I’m in the minority here, but sometimes I forget how great America is. I tend to let the media portray America as this country with so many problems from shootings to poverty to racism. What I really should be focusing on is how blessed I am to live in a country with freedom, a country based on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
 
More than that, I am inspired to continue living the American dream. I’m more motivated than ever to continue growing a platform that encourages all people regardless of gender, race, religion, and political views, to achieve their own definition of success.
 
I hope that I can do my part to spread the message of love, equality, hope, and elevation as people experience the ups and down of the journey of life.
 
I’m not perfect and I know that. I believe in things that others completely disagree with and I’m okay with that. But, at the end of the day, it’s not about our differences of opinions. It’s about PEOPLE. It’s about having the sensitivity, courage, integrity, respect, and responsibility to treat PEOPLE with kindness.
 
You don’t have to agree with everyone or even like everyone, but if we really think about America and the values it was founded on, we have to stick together in the face of adversity to create a better future.
 
To wrap it up like a bun around a Philly Cheesesteak, my trip to Philly was eye opening in more ways than one. You could say I had a busy 24 hours full of meetings and exploration, but the thing that stuck with me the most was how proud I am to be an American. 

Philly Highlights

• Hung out with one of my best friends Cameron
• Toured Independence Hall
• Saw the Liberty Bell
• Met with @Robs10kfriends (See post on IG @jakekelfer)
• Visited Drexel for a meeting about Elevate Beyond
• Visited UPenn to tour the athletic facilities
• Went to Temple basketball practice
• Enjoyed two 3 hour bus rides to and from NYC

Jake Kelfer is a bestselling author, high energy inspirational speaker and founder of the Professional Basketball Combine. He aims to inspire millions of people on their journey to achieving their own definition of success. His first book, Elevate Beyond, provides a framework for gaining an advantage in school, work and life. You can connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn or by emailing him at [email protected].
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