Gratitude, Grit, and the American Dream: Stories From Around the World

One of the greatest blessings of our family business is the meaningful role we get to play in people’s lives. We meet extraordinary people every day and help them create the lifestyle they dream of. Over the years, many of our clients have been families who recently arrived in the United States or are first-generation Americans.

Though they come from vastly different countries, cultures, and histories, we noticed something they all seem to share—a contagious optimism, a grateful spirit, and an unmistakable appreciation for the opportunities this country offers.

Curious to understand the source of this energy, we sat down with many of these clients—who have since become dear friends—to learn more about their journeys to America and the mindset that fuels them. Our “virtual trip around the world” took us to India, the Makah Tribe at Neah Bay, Guatemala, Mexico, Iran, China, Canada, Japan, Ukraine, Lithuania, and beyond. What we learned was fundamental and profound at the same time.

Why America?

When we asked each friend what motivated them to come to the United States, their answers were deeply personal, often emotional, and always inspiring.

Iran
Our friend from Iran shared a powerful story of narrowly escaping the revolution to preserve her freedoms and protect her family. For her, America represented “true freedom”—a place where she could speak honestly, live safely, and pursue opportunity without fear. When we asked whether it was difficult to adapt to a new culture, she smiled and said, “We imagined ourselves as guests in someone else’s home. We wanted to understand the culture, follow the rules, and honor our hosts—just as you would when invited to someone’s dinner table.”

Canada
A friend from Canada once shared that growing up French Canadian often came with feelings of being marginalized by English Canadians. She came to the U.S. because, in her words, she “would stay small in Canada, but could become BIG in America.” After earning her doctorate, building a successful career, and raising a wonderful family, she has most certainly lived her version of the American dream.

Ukraine
Friends from Ukraine reminded us how their families lost everything when the Soviet Union collapsed. They had to rebuild from scratch and saw their struggles growing up. So for them, America was a place of new beginnings as well as opportunity. One of them nearly brought us to tears when she explained that although she had considered moving to France, she felt she would never be fully accepted there. But in America, anyone can become American.

Vietnam
A friend from Vietnam opened up about feeling insecure as a child because his mother made his clothes, and his lunches looked different from his classmates’. Instead of resentment, he chose resilience. He immersed himself in school, sports, and friendships. When we asked whether he held any bitterness toward those who teased him, he simply said, “People are too easily offended and combative. I learned, I adapted, and I grew.” Today, he’s a successful software developer and has a great family.

India
We met several wonderful couples from India, and one comment in particular stayed with us: “India is my Motherland, but America is my Heartland.” She felt that, unlike many other places, America allowed her to keep her Indian identity and also be fully American.

Japan
A friend from Japan shared a powerful story about his father, who was held in a U.S. internment camp during the occupation after World War II. Even after that experience, his father chose to come to America seeking opportunity. The family originally settled in Alaska, living in government-subsidized housing. They never took anything for granted and poured everything into building a better life for their children. Judging by their family’s success today, their work ethic, grateful attitudes, and sacrifices made all the difference.

And this perspective, shared by a friend whose parents immigrated from Lithuania, really touched us…”A simple smile is our universal language! Wouldn’t America, and frankly, the whole world, be a better place if everyone smiled more?  

A Shared Mindset

Toward the end of each conversation, we asked our friends what they believed fueled their contagiously positive, “glass-half-full” outlooks on life. Despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, their answers overlapped in remarkable ways:

1. A deep sense of ownership.
They believed their success and happiness were reflections of their own effort and attitude. As Dale Carnegie coined, they avoided “criticizing, condemning, and complaining”. Our friends from Guatemala put it perfectly: “If you don’t have something…what are you going to do about it?” They didn’t expect anything—they felt they had to earn everything.

2. An attitude of gratitude.
One friend paused during our conversation, looked around the café, and said, “I’m just so happy to be sitting here in a warm, safe place, drinking a hot cup of coffee, and enjoying our time together.” Something so simple, yet so profoundly grounding. Another friend said this feeling of a deep sense of gratitude comes from opportunity, an opportunity for a better life here in America. 

3. Humility, curiosity, and community.
They spoke of the importance of learning, contributing, connecting, and honoring the opportunities given to them. Many mentioned that America didn’t just change their lives—it allowed them to change the lives of their children, their parents, and sometimes even their extended families back home.

The Heart of the American Dream

Listening to these stories reminded Matt of his own great-grandfather’s story of coming to America at the age of 15 with no parents and two younger siblings to care for. Despite being Italian and retaining many aspects of the culture, like a love for homemade Italian food and wine, he was most proud to be called and considered quite simply an American. 

We often think about the American Dream as owning a home and enjoying the lifestyle that comes with it. Our friends reminded us of something much more dynamic and profound —it is about gratitude, effort, hope, and the belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

Their journeys, sacrifices, and optimism reaffirmed something beautiful:
Immigrants don’t just chase the American dream—they renew it, fuel it, and keep it alive for all of us. 

Until next time, remember your blessings and love your neighbors!

Matt & Christina

Matt & Christina are Team Skally, top real estate agents in the Seattle Metro with expertise in luxury homes on the Eastside including Bellevue, Newcastle, Issaquah and Renton. Their client testimonials say it all - they deliver exceptional service and record-breaking results. Recognized as top agents on social media by Property Sparks, Diamond Award winners for best client service, Nextdoor’s Neighborhood Faves and regularly featured in online and print publications including Luxury Home Magazine, Puget Sound Business Journal, and Greet - Newcastle & Newport Hills Magazine. In addition to serving clients, Matt and Christina love family time with their two sons and Goldendoodle as well as volunteering in the community.