To me, a democracy means everyone has a voice and a chance to pursue opportunity regardless of where they come from or what they have. My grandmother's story reflects that American dream.

As a girl, she immigrated to America from Germany after World War II along with her family. They came here with very little but were determined to build a better life for themselves. My grandmother worked tirelessly in school, eventually building a successful career and becoming a US citizen who was proud to call home a country that values freedom and opportunity.

Through hard work and determination, she created opportunities for herself for a better life. This was possible because of the democratic values our country was founded on 250 years ago: equality, representation, and freedom.