In fact, the average Class of 2016 graduate has $37,172 in student loan debt, up six percent from last year.” Planning what course of action you will take will be easier if you have money. If plan A fails, then you should have backed-up plan to use in continuing your goals; like plan B or plan C. You cannot travel and move to the place you want to work and live without money. Similar to the Joad’s family in John Steinbeck’s novel, the Grapes of Wrath. The Joad’s family knew they needed money to buy a car and extra money to use when they travel to California. So, they plan to sell their household wares and other implements they do not need and work picking cottons to come up with enough money to use for their travel. So, the whole Joad’s family has “been chopping cotton” and “getting money together so they can shove on west” (46). Other than money and plan, to meet the American Dream, you need support from your family or connections from friends and colleagues. Why? Family positive supports have a big impact on …show more content…
Why do I need knowledge? Do I have to train myself to gain new skills? “What is wrong with my attitude?” First, let us talk about knowledge and skill, and the reasons why they are needed in the attainment of the American Dream. Knowledge is an information, understanding, or skill you get from experience or education (Merriam-Webster). Skill is the ability to use one 's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance (Merriam-Webster). In Steinbeck’s characters, Tom and Al have experience and skill in fixing cars. There are many occasions that their experience and skill about cars saved them during their travel; when the car’s con-rod was broken, Tom and Al drove to the service-station belt, and on the right-hand side of the road was a junkyard. The one-eyed man, who watches the junk yard, told them to get what they want. They salvage a con-rod from a “wrecked ’25 Dodge.” They finally met with Jim Casy who are waiting inside the broken con-rod car. After they fixed the car, Jim Casy turned to Tom, and said, “Funny how you fellas can fix a car” (177-185). Al and Tom’s skills and knowledge save their family from being stranded when their car is inoperable. Knowledge and skills go together in attaining your American Dream because if you have knowledge, you will apply your skills correctly. Last, the attitude is the competency