The American Dream is a term as old as time. In fact, colonists came to the Americas because of a dream—they wanted riches. So of course, it is in our blood to have such ambitions as well, and to seek out the ultimate reward in our lives: success. The American Dream, in simple terms, is the idea that as long as you work hard and persevere, you will be able to achieve success in America. This idea resonated with family members and others I interviewed about their thoughts on achieving the American dream. Now, when it comes to defining such a term with regards to my own life, it becomes clear that I frame it differently. My vision of the American Dream pertains to my success academically and eventually career-wise in America. My parents, being Nigerian immigrants, have taught me that as long as I put forth my best effort, great things will come tothis is made possible because I am in the West, the beacon of success. I have found that financially, I have been given more privilege than other students and individuals, but race and gender-wise, I am at a disadvantage. This is why my American Dream is so nuanced. Because nobody is on equal footing, it is impossible to outline one path to this aforementioned “American Dream.” It is not achievable for everybody.
