250 Years of America Through the Eyes of Barry Students

By Litzy Grijalba

The United States of America is approaching its 250th anniversary this July. As the date nears, conversations about what it means to be “American” are becoming more complex. On campuses like Barry University, diversity and global perspectives play a major role in shaping those discussions.

At Barry, located in the culturally diverse city of Miami, students are not only reflecting on pride but also confronting the contradictions that shape America’s identity. For many, being American is not a single experience, but something layered and constantly evolving.

Senior Rosean Wayne, majoring in political science, said that complexity is central to his understanding of American identity.

“To me, being American means living in a country built on opportunity but also contradictions. It’s freedom, diversity and ambition, but also a constant process of figuring out what those things really mean in practice. It’s not one identity, it’s millions of different experiences under one label.”

At the same time, he emphasized the importance of acknowledging the country’s history.

“There’s a lot to be proud of, but you can’t ignore the history, slavery, segregation and ongoing inequality,” said Wayne. “As a Black American, that’s not something distant, it still shapes experiences today. The country was built on ideals of freedom that weren’t always extended to everyone, and that contradiction is still being worked through.”

Senior Janaya Reyes, a first-generation Hispanic student of Dominican Republic descent and majoring in international business, shared a similarly complex perspective.

“Honestly, when I hear ‘American,’ I think of contradictions. It’s a country that promotes freedom and opportunity, but not everyone experiences that equally. It feels like I’m part of it, but not fully centered in it. It’s more complicated than just pride for me.”

Living in Miami has played a significant role in shaping how both students understand identity, exposing them to a wide range of cultures, languages, and lived experiences on a daily basis. In this city, one is constantly influenced by the people and perspectives that make up the community. 

“Miami made me realize that ‘American’ isn’t one identity, it’s layered and influenced by so many cultures,” said Reyes. “Being around immigrants and different communities showed me that a lot of people are still figuring out where they fit. It also made me question the idea that there’s one standard way to be American. It feels more like a mix than a single identity.”

Senior Destiny Robinson, majoring in television and digital media, who has also experienced Miami’s diversity, said that living in a seemingly diverse city doesn’t always translate to true inclusion.

“There’s a false sense of diversity, where people coexist but still hold onto beliefs that they’re better in some way,” Robinson said.

Junior Tommy Hill, a second-generation Nicaraguan American majoring in television and digital media, added a perspective that highlighted both the opportunities and responsibilities of being American.

“Being American means having freedom and opportunity and being part of a country where people from all different backgrounds can come together,” Hill said.

As the anniversary approaches, all four students believe the moment calls for reflection as much as celebration. For them, the milestone is not just about marking 250 years of history, but about evaluating what that history represents and how it continues to shape the present.

“I think it’s both. There’s definitely a lot to celebrate in terms of progress and innovation, but there’s just as much to reflect on. You can’t move forward without acknowledging what still needs to change,” Wayne said.

Reyes, however, emphasized the need for reflection, viewing the anniversary as a moment for accountability.

“I think there’s more to reflect on. There’s progress that can be acknowledged, but there are still major issues that haven’t been addressed. Celebrating without reflecting feels incomplete. It’s a moment to be honest about both,” she said.

Robinson added that recent events make reflection even more urgent.

“I think there’s definitely more to reflect on. With the current administration, it feels like we’ve taken steps backward and become more divided not just within the country, but also with our allies,” she said.

Hill offered a perspective that looked at both sides.

“There is a lot to celebrate in terms of progress and opportunity, but there is also a lot to reflect on,” said Hill.

Looking ahead, Wayne and Reyes expressed hope for a more equitable future.

“I’d like to see more equity, real access to opportunities regardless of background. Better understanding between different communities, and systems that actually reflect the idea of fairness the country was built on. Progress, to me, looks like aligning reality with the ideals America claims to stand for,” Wayne said.

Reyes emphasized inclusion and belonging.

“I’d like to see more fairness across systems like education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. I also think there needs to be more respect for different cultures without expecting people to fully assimilate,” she said. “Real progress would mean people don’t feel like outsiders in a country they live in. That’s what I’d want to see moving forward.”

As Barry students reflect on the nearing date of America’s 250th anniversary, their perspectives highlight that being American is not just a fixed identity. It is in flux.