The Tower asked Princeton High School students for their opinions on about what America and the American Dream means to them, how America has treated them, and if they feel America lives up to its standards on its 250th anniversary.
Each paragraph is a different response. Here's what they had to say:
My great-grandfather immigrated to the U.S. with no money, leaving his family behind. To my family, the American Dream means doing better than the previous generation, something that wouldn’t have been possible for my family had they not come to the U.S.
To me, the American Dream is a sacrifice. Not just in terms of “working hard” but culturally and emotionally too. When I think of my parents, and how they had to be away from their families, had to have lived in a country with different values, raised a child who has values that are different too … all for a country that still doesn’t exactly treat them fairly?
Being surrounded by people of diverse cultural backgrounds, racial makeups, sexual orientations, socioeconomic situations, immigration statuses, career goals, etc., and living in harmony. A place where diversity is supported by both the population and the government and uniqueness is nurtured.
To me, it means the opportunity to live a successful life without the constant pressure of being the best at something.
To me, the American Dream means reaching a point in your life of stability, job security, personal happiness, and a guarantee that your children will have a good life — if not better than yours.
Having the opportunity to seek what makes you fulfilled or satisfied. A place where everyone can find success. I don’t think the American Dream means any one thing, because all Americans experience and live in this country differently. How can there only be one?
To me, “the American Dream” means the ability to pursue a career that I am passionate about and build a family without feeling limited by economic, social, or ethnic hardship.
I guess by definition the American Dream is the ideal of equal opportunity for upward mobility, conditioned on hard work and rule following. But now it feels like the American Dream is to be as rich as possible while putting in the minimum amount of work, and that feels pretty unattainable for a lot of people.
It is something that is no longer possible for most; traditionally, it has meant financial stability and social mobility, regardless of one’s origin if they want to work hard enough.
As an immigrant being in a different environment, I am just going to say that I am grateful to be in this country. After all, I am receiving support and many educational opportunities. This country is making me a strong person.
The first thing that comes to my mind about America is that it is not only the United States. There are three parts of America in total, which are South America, Central America and North America. With that being said, I like this country because it has given me a better education. The United States is known for people who have dreams and want to achieve their goals. I am very grateful for the seasons of the year, the education, and how clean some places are here. l love living in Princeton, New Jersey and all of the opportunities that it has.
For me, the United States means freedom. After all, it has given me a lot of opportunities. But I have also experienced new emotions during my time here. Many “Americans,” as you call them, have very special personalities and may need therapy.
The American Dream means achieving material and spiritual success by whatever your terms are. The American Dream means being able to climb the corporate ladder or pursue any future career regardless of identity such that you work hard. No political, economic, or racial barriers impede this potential.
America means freedom, opportunity, and the chance to build a better future. I think America has treated many people well, but not everyone has had the same experience. There are still problems like inequality and discrimination. On its 250th anniversary, I think America is still working toward fully living up to its standards.
It means how everybody has a fair shot at life and are judged based on their character and not their race.
I am disappointed in America. It has treated immigrants cruelly, taken people away, discriminated far too much, and judged people without knowing their history and their values. A piece of paper should not determine a person’s worth. America does not meet the standard of its 250 years, because it is detaining immigrants who are simply seeking a better life. So, what is the freedom that America promises and claims to possess?
Sometimes the United States can be cruel, because of the current president and his administration. To me, the United States represents an unfulfilled promise of freedom and opportunity. Although it has provided me with education and security, I see that racism and economic inequality prevent many people from enjoying the same rights as others.
To me, America means opportunity and a better future. It has given me the chance to learn, work, and improve my English. Overall, my experience in America has been positive.
The American Dream. The American Dream is a lie for me. It was created to give false hope to immigrants and refugees. It’s unattainable and doesn’t guarantee happiness.