In grade school I was taught that the United States is a melting pot. People from all over the world come here for freedom and to pursue a better life. They arrive with next to nothing work incredibly hard learn a new language and new customs and in a generation they become an integral part of our amazing nation.
I read Christopher McDougall's book 'Born to Run.' If running were a religion this would be its bible. I actually scribbled my favorite passages on my arm to read during the race.