07/05/2026
This Fourth of July, I celebrated abroadâstanding before rugs older than America itself, in a country shaped by thousands of years of history and even underground cities built for survival. It was a vivid reminder of just how young America really is.
And it hit meâŚ
My family has been part of Americaâs story for almost 20% of its entire existence.
As a doctor, the only way I can explain what I felt is this:
America is like the new resident walking into the hospital.
Brilliant.
Full of potential.
Ready to change the world.
But also still learning.
The older attendings donât watch a new resident struggle because they want them to fail. They watch because they know growth comes with mistakes â and wisdom comes from listening.
Maybe countries are the same.
Travel reminds you how big the world is⌠and how much history existed before us.
This year has been emotional because, for the first time in my life, there have been moments where I have been made to feel less American.
But then I remember:
I am American.
I am the child of immigrants.
I am part of the story of a country built by people who came from everywhere â bringing their cultures, their dreams, their work ethic, and their hope.
Americaâs greatness was never that we were the oldest.
It was that we believed we could keep becoming better together.
Our diversity.
So this Fourth of July, my wish is simple:
May we remember what made America beautiful in the first place.
The dream.
The opportunity.
The diversity.
The courage to grow. â¤ď¸đşđ¸
Happy Independence Day. Dr. Puja Thakkar