Amy Sidle

The Fourth of July 2010: A Reflection on the American Dream

            As we reflect on the nation’s 234^th birthday and recall what our Founding Fathers hoped for America, it is only fitting to hear the testimonies of those that chose to make America their home. The original American Dream included freedom with promise of prosperity and success and even our own Declaration of Independence, the reason we celebrate the Fourth of July, declares “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Has the American Dream evolved with its people? Or do the foundations for the Dream remain the same as more people come to seek it?

            Not long ago most immigrants were greeted by the beautiful Lady Liberty on their way to Ellis Island; now immigrants come by any means of transportation over many borders to get to this great country and all that it offers. According to Ron W. Schoenfisch, a columnist at the Herald Tribune, “America's population has always evolved from new, energetic, diverse people motivated by that all-important pursuit-of-happiness goal for themselves, their families -- and their descendents” (http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100705/COLUMNIST/7051005/2093/NEWS?Title=Nation-of-immigrants-should-not-close-its-door). People are flocking here to escape political turmoil, religious persecution or merely in the hopes of finding a better life. David Josselyn, a resident of Denver, describes why he loves America: “The freedom to choose a career, the freedom to live where we want to, the freedom to cross state lines without impediment, the freedom to marry whom we choose, the freedom to follow the religion of our choice, the freedom to vote!” (http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_15423929).

            Without a doubt our Bill of Rights makes immigrating to America attractive; however, I believe it’s so much more than a government document that draws people to this fair country. Many come for the job opportunities, earning more in one year than they could dream of in a lifetime in their homeland. Detroit resident Jose Torres says he “realized [his] dream: a better opportunity for [his] family” citing that “people can grow as much as they want” in America (http://www.detnews.com/article/20100703/METRO/7030369/Immigrants-celebrate-America). Torres is a carpenter at a construction site and has been able to support his family, including six children in his new homeland. His most recent ambition is to improve his communication skills by taking English lessons in his off-time. Recently new American citizen (formerly of Romania) Andrea Hilma claims that "If you're a good worker, you have a 100 percent chance of succeeding here" (http://www.detnews.com/article/20100703/METRO/7030369/Immigrants-celebrate-America). America provides the opportunity; all that is needed is the hope and hard-work to push it toward a satisfied dream.

            America is built on generations being better than the last in knowledge, production, and success. There is only one way for young generations to gain such ambition: education. A Kenya immigrant, Alice Karanjah, “appreciates America for its educational…opportunities” (http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/07/04/1251843/passionate-about-their-patriotism.html). Despite only being in the country six months and being a widowed mother of three, she was able to secure a position in a nursing program, already beginning to fulfill her American Dream. Maryan Mberwa left her “war-torn Somalia…where life was a day-to-day struggle for survival…so that her could get an education and good jobs” (http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/07/04/1251843/passionate-about-their-patriotism.html). Schooling doesn’t just provide education and literacy skills, but life skills in an environment where newcomers can meet other people seeking to accomplish their dreams.

            So as we reflect on 234-plus years of sacrifice, hard-work, dedication, and hope, here’s expecting that Americans, native or immigrant, old or young, keep up the good work and continue to make our country one amazing place to live.