My American Dream
What does the American Dream mean to you? The American Dream is the idea that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success, regardless of where they come from. When I was younger, my dad used to talk about the American Dream and how it came true for our family. My dad was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Nigeria as a refugee because of the civil war in his country. He told me stories of how when he was a boy he used to write in a diary everyday “I will go to America.” To him it was a land of opportunity that felt very far away. My mom was also from a small town in India. Both of them were able to come to the U.S. for better opportunities and education, and now live a better life because of years of hard work and sacrifice. My dad loved America and was the example of a true patriot, saying he was America’s “biggest fan.” I took after this, and whenever people would dispute the American Dream or criticize America, I would defend my country. I was shocked when my En...