Forty years ago, I came to the United States from India. I eventually relinquished my Indian citizenship to fully embrace the freedoms, opportunities and responsibilities that America represents. Today, I proudly identify as a Muslim immigrant and a devoted American.

When I arrived here, I was inspired by America’s core values: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, equal opportunity, and the belief that hard work can lead to the American Dream. For me, America has never been just a place; it has always been an idea.

After completing a two-year Indian fellowship in the United States, my father asked what I wanted to do next. I told him I wanted to fulfill three dreams I had carried since childhood: to give back to America; give back to India, which had funded my education from fifth grade through my Ph.D.; and to help ensure that every child, regardless of ethnicity, religion, color or political affiliation, had access to higher education.

My father told me those dreams could best be fulfilled in America. Despite an excellent job offer in India, he encouraged me to stay here and build my future in the United States. That was nearly 38 years ago.

Many young Americans may not fully realize how fortunate they are to live in the United States. It’s something important to remember, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. For billions of people around the world, America remains the ultimate symbol of opportunity — a nation where freedom, education, innovation and hard work can transform an ordinary life into an extraordinary one.

Despite the challenges our nation faces today, the American Dream remains real for those willing to pursue it. But it is not automatic. It belongs to those who are willing to prepare for it, work for it, and build it.

Too many young people today are growing up discouraged, distracted or uncertain about their future. Social media often breeds insecurity. Political division and negativity focus attention on what is wrong with America instead of what remains possible here. Many young Americans feel overwhelmed by economic pressures, intense competition, and rapid technological change.

But America’s youth need to hear this clearly: Do not underestimate your potential.

You were born in a country where opportunities exist that millions around the world still dream about every day. In America, a young person from an ordinary family can become a scientist, entrepreneur, engineer, teacher, doctor, skilled tradesperson, inventor, artist or business leader. Your future is not limited by your background, religion, race or last name.

Young Americans already possess advantages that millions of people can only dream about: access to education, technology, freedom of speech, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the ability to create almost anything through determination and effort. Never take those advantages for granted.

At the same time, America’s young people should not have to build their future alone. They deserve mentorship, career guidance, internships, practical training, and clear pathways to meaningful careers and entrepreneurship. Too many students graduate without real-world skills, financial knowledge, or mentors who truly believe in them.

That must change.

Business leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, parents, and successful immigrants all have a responsibility to help mentor the next generation. Immigrants did not weaken America, they helped build America. They created businesses, generated jobs, strengthened universities, advanced science and medicine, and fueled innovation across nearly every industry.

Many immigrants, including myself, stand ready to help America’s youth succeed through mentorship, training, internships, networking and encouragement. Because when young Americans succeed, America succeeds.

Education must also evolve to meet the future. Young people need critical thinking, communication skills, adaptability, financial literacy, leadership, technological fluency, creativity, and discipline. College can be valuable, but so can skilled trades, vocational education, entrepreneurship, and technology training. There is no single path to success.

Most importantly, young people must reject the belief that artificial intelligence will make them irrelevant. AI will transform industries, but highly skilled, creative, adaptable, and motivated people will always be valuable. Technology can replace repetitive tasks, but it cannot replace human ambition, leadership, integrity, emotional intelligence, courage, or vision.

So, to America’s youth, I say this: Dream bigger. Work harder. Stay disciplined. Learn constantly. Build real skills. Protect your character. Choose mentors wisely. Reject excuses. Turn off negativity. Do not allow fear or distraction to steal your future.

You are living in one of the greatest nations in human history during one of the most transformative periods in human history. Previous generations built industries, scientific breakthroughs, and technological revolutions. Your generation can build the next era of American innovation, in artificial intelligence, medicine, clean energy, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

If you believe in yourself, develop your skills, embrace hard work, and refuse to quit, there is no limit to what you can achieve in America.

The American Dream is still real. And its next chapter is waiting for you to write it. 

Masood Akhtar is an entrepreneur, unity activist, and a former Isthmus board member.