The American Dream

The "American Dream" is what almost everyone comes to America for.  So many people request citizenship in the US, and even risk their lives trying to cross the border all in hopes of becoming free and having this "dream."  So what exactly is this "American Dream?"  I would describe this dream as an opportunity.  Not everyone will succeed, but everyone is given the opportunity to try and fulfill what their passions are, and what they want to do in life.  This is the American Dream because not every country offers or can provide these opportunities that America can.

Many people think that with the American Dream comes wealth.  This is not necessarily true.  Most people don't set out to become wealthy, they set out to do what they love and the wealth is a nice bonus.  When you were a little kid and some would ask you what to do you want to be when you grow up, the answer was never, "Rich!"  Wealth to some would mean having lots of money.  Wealth to others means how rich they spent their life: How many lives they touched, how many relationships they made with friends, how many places they traveled, their wealth is measured in memories. That is the definition of wealth that I choose to go by, because at the end of the day money doesn't matter, it is who you surround yourself with.

A majority of the people in America would be classified in a middle-class living range. Neither wealthy nor poor.  It's sad to say that I think a lot of the poverty that goes on around us is ignored, or even looked down upon.  In high school it is all about keeping up appearances to make sure you fit in with the "cool kids."  If you're poor you don't want to show that side to any one.  People think about poverty being in third world countries and other places far away, when really it could be right down the street.  I think America and everyone else need to do a better job at fixing this and making people more aware.  All it takes is a simple donation of your old clothes that you'll never wear again, or giving some on the side of the road some crackers and water. 

The "American Dream" is very possible, especially when in America.  People need not to think that it is going to be easy after they get here to achieve this dream.  The "American Dream" is just an opportunity, you as an individual still need to work hard in order to succeed.