We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses we received. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their unique and inspiring American stories.
Fast and furious, this American tradition features tiny tots riding woolly wonder beasts.
Jamie Poindexter’s drumline is bringing together a tough neighborhood with a joyful beat.
A barista gives a kidney to a complete stranger, giving her the ultimate pick-me-up.
Raised by migrant farm workers, Jose Hernandez used hard work and a big heart to reach the stars.
Monica Haslip’s afterschool program is creating artists and serious entrepreneurs.
Michael Reagan and his Fallen Heroes Project provides closure for the families left behind.
This shoe shine man is changing the world through his Clean Water Foundation.
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.
Some call air guitar part perf. art, pro wrestling and rock’n’roll. Whatever it is, it sure is fun!
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.
Aaron Dworkin brings classical music to the inner city, and opens up a world of possibilities.
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.
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 adopted 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.
Wonderful and meaningful report , she deserve to be a hero.
I think Dr. Doreen has made a tremendous job working with children who have autism. She is extremely knowledgeable and have achieved great results. I have listened to some of her lectures and her work with children has been marvelous. What I think was out of context was her comparison that kids having autism are not “mentally retarded”. This sounds very disrespectful, even though I knew it was not her intention.
As the professional that she is, she knows the term “mentally retarded” is politically incorrect and is not used anymore. The term was changed to “mentally challenged” or “mentally delayed” and this was made under the Pres. Obama administration, not that long ago.
Second, I am the mother of a 30yr.old young lady who has a beautiful personality, and is full of love and joy. She happens to have cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, other medical issues, non ambulatory, and yes, she has “mental challenges and delays”. She understands everything surrounding her, both in English and Spanish. Even though she is non verbal, she communicates using body language, facial expressions, and communication devices.She is in charge of her likes and dislikes, and is very appropriate in her behavior. She has a meaningful life, has voted in elections, and is fully integrated in the community.
I just want to emphasize , that individuals who are diagnosed with any degree of “mental challenge and/or delay, with hard work, therapy, and a proper support system, are capable of having meaningful lives. They can live their lives to the maximum of of their potentials integrated in their communities.
Kids diagnosed with autism, whether they have some degree of mental challenge or not,( each person is different), can also be capable of living their lives to the fullest, given the necessary supports that they need to move forward and be productive in their own unique way.
I know Dr. Doreen is aware of this fact, but I am writing to inform the public in general, which may ignore what this connotation entails.
I have family members with autism, too. I pray and is my hope that, with hard work , and perseverance, they can strive and go forward. I just wanted to clarify this issue,which could be confusing for many. I know Dr. Doreen is doing a fantastic job, with love, compassion, and a full array of knowledge.
I really enjoyed this video – I work with autistic children and they bring a smile to my face everyday. Thank you for sharing your story.
Such a great story. Every teacher working with special needs students should follow her words: “how do you change your teaching so it works for that child?” All too often the people I have met dealing with children with autism in my state use the my way or the highway approach to teaching.
This young woman stated that she is in Heaven working with these kids. God will surely one day see that that is where she will be. God blessed this country when she arrived and continues to bless us with her works.