Autobiography Of My American Dream

On a bright sunny Tuesday, September 11th, 2001, started off as an ordinary day where Americans were out working to achieve their ambitious goal called the “ American Dream”. I decided to grab a coffee to start off my day. As I walked by a street vendor, he nicely asked: “ It’s a beautiful day huh?”. I smiled and answered, “ Yes it is sir”. “ What are you up to today? Are you in a rush?” he followed. I answered, “I’m just on my way to grab a coffee and get some fresh air”. He waved as we finished our conversation and I continued towards Starbucks.

The American Dream is indefinable. There is no one set of words or characteristics that the entire population assigns directly to its definition. With the American population consisting of people of various races, ethnicities, ages, classes, and genders, it seems trivial to even attempt to attribute a single definition to the concept of the American Dream. It is this inability however, to be confined within one single meaning, that allows for the American Dream to govern the desires and goals of the large and diverse American population. And, regardless of all of the heterogeneity within society, the American Dream is generally a goal of all American peoples. In examining this idea, I began to think about the specific meanings attributed to the American Dream for different types of individuals. I broadly outlined the American Dream for myself, to represent the belief in hard work as a pathway to success and raising oneself in society. Consequently, this higher position in society allows for the possession of increased amounts of power. My definition however, neglects to take into account the certain other societal constructs that could possibly have a decisive role in how to both define and achieve the American Dream for the wide variety of people who pursue it.

American Dream: Noun, the ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity traditionally held to be available to every American. That is the definition of the American dream according to Dictionary.com, but the American Dream is more than a definition, but a way of life for many. Millions of immigrants come to our country in search of this “American Dream” including my grandparents but more and more are disappointed. So does the American Dream exist? Has it ever existed or has it all been an illusion?

The American dream has been a beacon of hope and motivation for the millions of people who have immigrated and grown up in the United States; especially for those of the lower class. Through hard work and determination one could completely change their life for the better while provide better circumstances for future generations. The American dream is defined as, “a happy way of living that is thought of by many Americans as something that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S. especially by working hard and becoming successful” (The American Dream). Today, youth of the lower class are finding this dream to be nearly impossible to achieve, even by working hard. For many it has become nothing more than a pipe dream. The American dream is still alive, but it is on it’s final breath; especially for the poor youth of America.

For many immigrants they come to America for one purpose, achieving the “American Dream.” The American Dream’s definition varies from person to person, the definition in the dictionary states, “a happy way of living that is thought of by many Americans as something that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S. especially by working hard and becoming successful”. Unfortunately, not everybody achieves their goals as many are stuck working low wage jobs, or in poverty despite working harder than other Americans. On the other hand, people who immigrated here are successful, owning a house, having a well-paying job, and being able to send money to their families. Overall, achieving American Dream of being wealthy and successful is a combination of luck, connections, and hardwork. For my assignment, I interviewed my neighbor, asking her about her experience in America.

Back in 2001 I migrated here in the United States from the Philippines. I lived in San Francisco for a bit then moved to Las Vegas. I thought living here in the United States would make us rich, but I was wrong.

I was born in Fort Worth, Texas, a city where I realized being an American is an unbelievable blessing to have in your life. I would have to thank my mother for risking her life, and having the courage to move to the United States when she was only eighteen. Without her courage I would be living a completely different life right now. The opportunities one has as an American are shocking. Many Americans do not realize how fortunate they are in this country, with the Public school system,and job opportunities. Other countries do not have access to these things so easily; one would have to be quite wealthy to receive these essentials. The opportunities I am able to receive through this country makes me proud I was made in the USA.

American dream, the idea that every US citizen should have the same equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity. Many american dreams are either easy, or hard, depending on your main american dream. Although they may be easy, hard, simple, or complexed they all need the same things to keep it going. The main thing I believe keeps it going is determination to do it. Many don’t know they use determination in every stage of life.

My last name is Matias, it means nothing in college but once I drive those 45 minutes back to Lawrence, Mass it’s significant to every member of the police force. Lawrence, MA is one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in Massachusetts. I was born and raised in Lawrence, and many times I have witnessed situations where the law did not seem to be on the citizens’ side. In addition there are lawyers that are appointed to defend you but are not invested in the outcome. In Lawrence it seems that it’s always your word against the authorities, but your word has no value. Your only hope to beating the system is becoming a part of it and making a difference. My American Dream is to be a defense lawyer for people who live in urban areas. Knowing

The American Dream is something U.S. citizens and immigrants look for in America. This ideal is supposed to be the big picture/meaning of America, where anything can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. This motto is something we Americans live by and follow. I feel like the American Dream is it’s own destination; a destination where everyone, regardless of race, color, creed, or sexual orientation, can live peacefully and achieve even the craziest of dreams through hard work. Unfortunately, I feel that the society we live in today is not the American Dream, it’s something a little more divided. People today see a person of different color, race, etc, and judge them based off acts that are committed by past criminals with violent

My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive ; & to do so with some passion , some compassion , some humor , and style.” This quote is by one of my favorite authors and people : Maya Angelou. She always influenced me because the way she carried herself and where she came from. From time I heard “ Still I Rise” it reminded me of what type of woman I wanted to be. I always look of to powerful women the independent ones , the go getters. My American Dream is have live in my pursuit of happiness : to graduate from LSU with my PHD , pursue my career as a doctor , and purchase my own condo by age 25. This is my ultimate explanation of my Pursuit of Happiness.

I can say my lifetime goal would be to fulfill the infamous American dream, but, what is truly the American dream? This eminent dream can be different for everyone—owning a house, finding well-paying employment, escaping communism, or becoming wealthy. In my case, the American dream is having the opportunity to reach . With education I will be able to fulfill my short and long term goals. My parents struggled when they first came to Florida. Finding only low-paying jobs due to language acquisition problems, leaving their family behind, and entering a new country. Thanks to their struggles, I was able to immerse in a world of education like no other, making those struggles worth it.

The majorities of American’s have grown up and resides in America for pretty much their entire lives. What we view as normal is far from what people in the rest of the world view as normal. Our standard of living and the privileges we have, we often overlook and accept them as our rights. Everything we see, we view that as the standard of living. However, while everywhere else that is what people work every day to attain. One person’s view of standards is subjective to someone else’s. This means that we as American’s view a necessity as a luxury to other parts of the world. As Americans’ what we have, is what the rest of the world wants. While want we want is what none of the world can even imagine attaining, it’s a fantasy. The way my life is shaped in what I want, are attaining privileges that people can only dream off, because after all, this is the land of opportunity.

“With a pencil and a piece of paper, I create WORLDS. What do you do for a living?” This is an anonymous quote that inspires me to make my artwork and write my stories to be the creator of my own worlds. Using the least of tools I can create entire worlds in minutes, with sketches, colors, text and visions that make your head spin. A whole new universe created by my own invention of my own imagination and design. My American Dream is to get a college degree majoring in graphic design and literature, to sell my artwork, publish my stories, and to have a nice house with a family of my own with a legacy that will last forever.

In the 1930’s, the American Dream became more prominent them ever. Following the stock market crash, the country was thrust into the Great Depression where the people were filled with sorrow and to get them through the time, the American Dream was born. For some the fantasy was to own a little home, a car and have a family. But for the characters in Of Mice and Men, the characters version of the American Dream was to own a little plot of land and own some rabbits. In addition, Steinbeck uses Lennie, George and Candy’s visions to teach the reader that dreams are thought up almost effortlessly, but much more difficult to obtain.