My American Dream

Born in a small, remote village in Cameroon (Africa), I grew up to see my mom work so hard, as a nurse. My village, devoid of running water, good schools, good roads, electricity had a lone health clinic, where my mother worked. She gave in all her strength, working ably to alleviate suffering. Eventually, I was able to leave the village to the city, where education was better. I admired my mothers’ patience, her responsiveness, respect, altruism, her communications skills, her ethicality, punctuality and above all her passion for her profession. I wanted to become just like her. My mothers’ strength and determination gave me hope. All my life I have worked hard, hungered, and pursued excellence so as to achieve something better for myself and bring pride to my family. Having an opportunity to study at Marshalltown Community College is an open door to the whole world of values I have always longed for. It is the start of my “American Dream” coming true. A lot of people have different perspectives of what we may consider as the “American Dream”. My “American Dream” is what I consider “a perfect life”. To me, it’s not just a dollar sign, or desk name-tag at work, but the ability to walk into a room or a home, and know that my presence is welcomed and looked forward to. To me it is the ability to bring hope to the less privileged. It is realizing that I can make an honest difference. To me, it includes a good job, spare time for myself and my family, financial stability, financial security and most importantly, ensuring healthiness for myself and others.

So often, the subject of economic standing and wealth are said synonymously with the phrase ""the American Dream"". It seems that it takes money to be happy and economic stature to be accepted, however, many people who fall into this trap out of ignorance will never achieve their ""American Dream”. I believe that the “American Dream” is controlling my own destiny, becoming successful, and living free, both morally and socially. It is about fulfillment, it is about the quality of life, it is about happiness, it is about how well I live my life. I also believe that going to college is a pathway for me to achieve my “American Dream”.

The “American Dream” is dependent solely on the setting of where one lives and one’s social status. For example, Martin Luther King, in his “I Have a Dream” speech, called for freedom, but mostly for African Americans like himself. Everyone’s “American Dream” is somewhat different, but all relate to the times that one lives in. The “American Dream” is universal in that everyone hopes for positive change and that the change deals with their place in society. It is something that everyone aspires for, even if it is hard to accomplish. It is the thing that keeps most people going. The “American Dream” can therefore be many things, as long as these things ensure happiness and fulfillment. Many opinions and definitions exist that support and oppose the “American Dream” ideology. Many people have come to the US because they believed in the “American Dream” that makes the US the land of opportunity. The American culture is entirely different from other countries with comfortable lifestyles, friendly people, and more relaxed businesses, companies, and jobs. The culture is not rigid and gives immigrants a chance to continue practicing their heritages and religious preferences.

We all desire the fancy lifestyle promised in “The American Dream”, but the question arises, are you willing to work for it? We might have an affirmative answer, but not everybody will ever pursue their dreams, and only those that seek their goals have the chance of achieving them; freedom, quality, and opportunity. A dream means a happy ending and a happy outcome. I am determined to achieve my “American Dream”. I believe this dream could be achieved anywhere. It is not just a concept that I hope to attain. I am willing to work hard to achieve it. And with the right support, I have all it takes to achieve my “American Dream”.

Works Cited

Adam, Cap. “The American Dream” Web. 28 March 2005 Accessed 3 February 2019

Bartlby “My American Dream” Web. Accessed 3 February 2019

Ed., Kate Burns. “Is the American Dream a Myth?”Web. 18 March 2007 Accessed 3 February 2019

Johnson, Lorie A. “The ‘American Dream’: A Delusion?” 26 April 2006 Accessed 3 February 2019

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