Monumental birthdays are cause for grand celebrations, but they are also ripe for reflection.

Every milestone brings about renewed hope for the future and insight into the past. This year’s Fourth of July in particular was a rather loaded holiday. There were numerous celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States’ inception amid a tumultuous political climate, according to NBC.

However, for Americans, the defining aspects of our nation are people’s resilient personalities and diverse cultural backgrounds. We have so much to offer as a nation, yet many of us take our individuality for granted.

The rest of our nation’s birthday month should inspire a wave of cultural self-discovery, where Americans bring forth a renewed sense of appreciation for their culture. Students should continue to appreciate the diversity and contributions from people who have settled in the country, which have fostered the American identity.

From reinforcing the stereotype that Americans smile too much by grinning at someone in the grocery store to gleefully venturing out on tailgates, I pride myself on the fact that this is part of the culture of my home country.

Thomas Miloe, a rising third-year political science student, said his hometown of San Pedro, California, is a classic example of a city with a culturally rich and diverse population.

“It’s kind of like a smaller representation of the country as a whole,” said Miloe. “It’s people from all walks of life who make it up.”

Americans’ overt friendliness and enthusiasm can occasionally be perceived by the rest of the world as borderline annoying.

“I feel like Americans are a lot more, not louder, but more outgoing,” said Imani Mincey, a rising third-year education and social transformation and Spanish student. “They make you feel welcomed.”

Americans’ kindness and love for small talk are some of our best qualities, especially on a quintessentially American campus like UCLA. Our campus population is diverse, yet united by a welcoming spirit where I can smile at or converse with just about anyone.

The holiday has allowed me to mull over the meaning of patriotism. According to Merriam-Webster, the word is defined as “love for or devotion to one’s country.” I apply this definition of the word in my daily life by feeling grateful for such opportunities and diverse experiences in the U.S.

“For me, deep patriotism is just gratitude for our country, for service, for being able to come to this country and make a name for yourself or your family,” said Makena Stanisai, a rising fourth-year English student.

For other students, patriotism may imply a fiercer, partisan loyalty to the country. This is typically the generalized version of the term that leads to the polarization of patriotism and perception as equal to nationalism, according to Politico.

However, it is important to draw a deep distinction between people and government. Patriotism doesn’t always mean admiration for the country as an institution but instead more as pride for its lifestyle, people and cultural blends.

“Our country’s such a unique mixed bag of people,” said Miloe. “Go out, explore what there is to offer with all the different people who make up our country.”

On monumental birthdays, we also think about ways to improve or goals to undertake in the upcoming year.

The U.S.’s 250th should be no different. Students and Americans as a whole should engage in a collective effort to seek greater appreciation for each other and the culture we have a hand in forming.

If I had a lit candle and made a wish for our 250th birthday, it would be to never lose our American joy.