I’ve often reflected on how hard it was to move to and become a citizen of the United States. The paperwork, the attorneys, the testing, and, of course, the waiting—it was an arduous journey. It was never about a specific state or city; for me, it was about the idea of the country itself.
Recently, I finished watching *Outlander* and followed it with *Franklin* (Benjamin). These stories spotlighted people who believed in something greater—people who fought bloody wars across oceans, great lakes, and vast lands because they thought they deserved their own country. They negotiated with British and French kings, borrowed millions to defeat one empire with the help of another, and relied on second-hand weapons, ships, and soldiers. All of this was orchestrated with hand-delivered messages that took days or weeks to reach the right person.
Back then, agreements and alliances weren’t solidified through emails or tweets but through personal relationships. There was no social media, no television—but the printing press and journalism were already shaping public discourse. In 1730, Franklin became the official printer of Pennsylvania, responsible for printing money, laws, and official documents. Later, he held similar roles for Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland.
At 42, Franklin retired from printing but continued to invent and discover. Bifocals, the lightning rod, swimming fins, street lamps, and the odometer are just a few of his creations. He founded Philadelphia’s first fire department, served as the first Postmaster General, and even coined the concept of the Gulf Stream. Franklin’s legacy also includes countless newspapers and his pivotal role in drafting and signing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Can you just imagine being there?
For me, Franklin has always been the ideal candidate for an extra spot on Mount Rushmore. He was apolitical in his approach, laser-focused on building the foundation of a nation. At the time, he wasn’t just one of the Founding Fathers—he was considered one of America’s greatest figures.
Every generation produces individuals who transcend politics and inspire others. In this age of relentless scrutiny, where personalities are dissected and “canceled” over the slightest misstep, it’s hard to imagine Franklin escaping criticism unscathed. He had his flaws, as we all do, but his contributions far outweighed them.
Maybe our “Franklins” are closer than we think—teachers like Chuck Sprague at Wheat Ridge High School, who built the STEM program; a parent who encouraged you to break barriers; or a mentor who inspired you to aim higher.
Franklin’s genius lay in his ability to identify a need and create solutions without modern tools or shortcuts like “googling” the answer.. He relied on observation, resourcefulness, and persuasion to solve problems, whether they were local or global in scale.
As we step into a new year, I find myself inspired by Franklin’s legacy. His ability to inspire and unite others through his ideas is something we could all use more of.
Happy New Year! Here’s to finding inspiration in unexpected places and tackling the challenges ahead with the same ingenuity and determination.
As always, thanks for reading.
