We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their uniquely American stories, we invite you to watch selections that moved us.
Through hard work and perseverance, Mila Apostol created the little store that could.
A refugee survivor, Derreck Kayongo is saving the world, one bar of soap at a time.
A harrowing escape from Iran, a fight for freedom, and the little bakery that could.
A bi-lateral amputee, Rachel leads her teammates with a truly inspiring attitude.
Pushing the limits of pickling by bringing lots of taste to the traditional mason jar.
Aaron Dworkin brings classical music to the inner city, and opens up a world of possibilities.
Anne Mahlum starts a running program that helps homeless men reclaim their lives.
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
Some call air guitar part perf. art, pro wrestling and rock’n’roll. Whatever it is, it sure is fun.
An Iraq War veteran, James talks about surviving a suicide attack and serving our country.
She talks about coming over from Italy as a child and the chances America has given her.
She’s following in grandfather’s footsteps, paying it forward, and living up to her good name.
Her parents left Albania so she could grow up with the freedom to live out her “American Dream.”
A 1st grade teacher talks about teaching the Pledge of Allegiance to her students.
The father of entertainer Beyonce, he talks of the importance of reaching for your dreams.
She raised nine children and talks about overcoming adversity and following your dreams.
As devoted parents, they provided a safe and loving environment for over 40 foster babies.
She shares her ancestors’ sacrifices and struggles for the freedoms we enjoy in America.
Inspired by wounded soldiers, he’s in med school training to become a doctor in the U.S. Army.
Julie Smith & Joyce Hogan have served our nation through their husbands’ military service.
They adpoted two children from Russia and share how the experience changed their lives.
Vietnam Vet who talks about how service changed his life and his feeling for this country.
He compares football to unity and talks about the importance of America coming together.
She’s a 3rd generation American who talks of fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers.
A Vietnam Vet, Anthony talks about surviving a vicious attack, and the costs of freedom.
The couple talks about raising their kids and the freedoms we cherish in this country.
A teacher who credits her ancestors for giving us the freedoms we share in this country.
A Cuban American who talks about how her father risked his life to bring his family here.
Married for 52 years, they talk about growing up and raising a family in a small town.
He came from India to become an engineer and is currently applying for U.S. citizenship.
The award winning country music group talks about performing for the troops in Iraq.
Yes, that is true, I agree with you, but I am not sure if there are no other options.
We have just made the best and worst decision of our lives. I quit my decent job and we moved to a little town in northern michigan to pursue our entreprenuerial dreams. We are living on a shoe string and have no idea where our next months rent will come from but we are LIVING it. Doing what we love.
I am a really talented cake designer with lots of passion and ambition. No money yet-but we’ll get there. The movie changed our lives and we watch it regularly to remind us of how hard times can be the most rewarding.
I read your book, it is wisdom!
I found your story inspiring. I, myself am in a bit of a jam. I live with my my two boys,and their mother. We struggle week to week, paycheck to paycheck. We both work, but only at part-time jobs. I had a checkered past, that I struggle to distance myself from, but it always returns to haunt me, such as in background checks, etc. I’m straight now for 12 years, and in that time returned to college, got my associates, and am now working on my bachelors, but my past keeps me from progressing, and I wish there was something I can do to change things. Any suggestions?
I also saw the movie and it inspired me to look you up and read your story. I have a 32 yr old son who is a single dad to a little 3 yr old girl who he loves very much. He struggles daily. He has been in all kinds of trouble with the law and addictions to drugs. He also struggles with highs and very low days. I am always worried about him and am always praying for him. I plan on getting him the movie (I doubt he would take the time to read) and hope that your story will also inspire him to not be afraid to dream and succeed. Like you, he is very bright and charismatic. Everybody that meets him loves him but they don’t know the demons he struggles with.
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that my son receives a lesson and not just entertainment.
Mr. Gardner,
Thank you for your story. My boyfriend has been struggling for 2 years to get to the same place you are. He has taken his exams many times, but gets anxious and fails. Many times he is two points away from passing. I know he looks up to you alot and believes that one day he can get there. I thank God that you found your financial freedom and I pray to God everyday that my boyfriend will soon find his. Bless You!!
Your story deeply touched me & left a profound impact on my life and my way of thinking. You are an inspiration to me when times get tough. God Bless you and thank you for sharing your story.
Mr. Gardner, (Chris)
I love what you said ..
“Being in a Space where I could choose, Having a Choice & Having Responsibility.”
& not to be afraid to “Dare to Dream”
Your story is very inspirational.
Kindest regards
Dr. Utkarsh “Kar” Sata
(U.S. Scientist, Featured on this website under inspiration section)
you are in my eyes a great american because you never let any thing put down i truly loved your stories. please keep it forward. my god bless you and your family
Chris, I see your videos almost every day, your story inpires me since I saw
the movie! I’m 45 years old and still struggling to find my financial freedom
and happYness for me and my family! Do you have any advices for me?
I got this email from a man I never met, he ask if I would write something to remember his son who was never cominh home from the war……I humbly wrote this…
Fathers tears
We remember him as a boy,
with his skinned knee he would cry.
We remember him his first day in school,
now we know he broke every rule.
We remember him with that girl, what was her name
god we were so afraid he would bring shame.
We remember him on his last day in school
now he knew why they had rules.
We remember him when he want to join
we smiled but cried inside.
We remember him that last time
when we held him deep in our arms.
We remember him when we got the news
mother went to his room
We remember him now as a hero
who knew long ago he would have to go.
We remember him here not as a soldier but as a son
who in his own way could light up the sun…………..
hayespcopyright
Chris I read the book I am in college and my dreams are to become a Police officer to help people in many ways but I listen to your speeches and read the book and its just an inspiration and I just wanted to say god bless you in every way
Chris Gardner, “LOVE” is broad. It spreads itself all over the place. It knows no boundaries or limits. It lives in infinity. It’s a light, that is lit by it’s own intensity. Internal-external flames. Its way is oneness, whether it is seen or unseen. It brings forgiveness, peace, and serenity. It calms the flesh, with it’s very own excitement. It keeps its place with constant warmth seeing, you can only bring. I sing from within. Love, It is the only thing, you ever need bring. sincerely Itha
touching,inspirational.god willng let all who dream succeed
thank you for such an inspiring website. May we never forget the price of freedom in the years to come