The American Dream Research Paper

Superior Essays
Havanna Lowes
Mrs. Vogelman
English III
14 October 2015
Successful Dreams
The American Dream explains the goals of success through a process of ups and downs throughout one’s life. Young children often view their futures as them taking over the world. They have these massive dreams of becoming the president, a superstar, or an actress. They see their futures as happy, wealthy, and successful. What they do not see is all of the hard work and positive attitude it takes to achieve such labels. One inspirational woman once said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence” (Keller). This quote, by Helen Keller, would be the basis of the American Dream.
The American Dream is the idea that every
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This motto, both today and in 1776, is one of extraordinary gravity among the citizens of The United States. It not only declares our rights as humans, but it gives an idealistic characteristic to the country, molding what we now call The American Dream. Along with the idea of life and liberty, comes the emphasis on wealth. When the city of Jamestown was first settled, the motivation was gold (Kennedy 30). Many colonists came over to find new ways to make money, and were willing to risk any and everything possible to do so. The American Dream ever since has been associated with the idea of success by profit. The fluidity through social classes that American society offers is one of which not many other countries do, so many people attempt to achieve this success by journeying to large cities in America to do so. In The Great Gatsby, by Scott F. Fitzgerald, this migration is shown when both Nick Carraway and James Gatz, both lower class westerners, individually move to West Egg with the aspiration to prosper. The two succeeded in the …show more content…
As a student, I have a great deal of immediate, plausible things I would like to accomplish, such as getting a decent grade on an assessment, or earning a raise at work. Long term, I dream of my future, ten to fifteen years down the road. I think about attending college and being awarded multiple degrees for my hard work. My hard work would then be used across the globe, as a I work abroad to help out those in need with my experience and knowledge. I aspire to travel, and help out third world communities. I want to make a difference and be remembered in the world. Being an American, I am only limited by the actions I do, or in most cases, do not take. I am not limited by my upbringing, country, or social status. My American Dream is to help others, and the only way I will attain such dreams is by taking every opportunity that is available. As of now I plan to graduate early, attend college for the next several years of my life attempting to get two degrees. From there I must establish public speaking and translation skills, to continue my journey to success. In the end, I will be fluent in french, and be an employee of a NGO or international business. The other half of my American Dream is a substantial home life. I would like to have a husband, children, and a decent income to provide for my family. Falling in love, buying a house, and working my way up in a

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