What is the American Dream?

15 years ago

What is the American Dream?

By Alana Luong

Grade 7
Presque Isle Middle School

    Many have heard the term “the American Dream,” but what is it? In my eyes, the American Dream is to succeed. Everyone wants to be right, to achieve their goals, and to be the best at what they do. 

    The New Oxford American Dictionary defines success as “a person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains prosperity.” Success doesn’t necessarily mean making lots of money, or being a celebrity. Personally, I believe people over time have tainted the meaning of success. My definition of success is doing what you love and being happy doing it. Some of the happiest and most successful people in the world have average lives, regular sized homes, and steady incomes. They don’t have the newest iPods or the shiniest cars, but they are so happy.
    Everyone has goals in life, and when people achieve their goals (or when they succeed), they have a wonderful sensation. They make new goals to feel it again and again. I believe Americans are obsessed with success, like it defines the strength or wit of a person. Luckily, success doesn’t affect a person’s personality, and it does not define who they are.
    The American Dream can be interpreted in many ways. I imagine success is the key to the American Dream. Achieve your goals, love what you do, and you will live the American Dream.