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The American Dream was a term James Truslow Adams used in his book Epic of America. Adams stated “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” The term means to me that all America citizens have the right to aim for their highest potential and goals. The founding fathers used similar terms for the American Dream, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These words are great definitions for this term American Dream because they mean you can live your life as you wish without the restrictions of class, religion, or race.

The American Dream to me means that every individual have the ability to work hard and accomplish their goals without someone saying they cannot. I believe that with hard work and determination the American Dream is in reach of every single person.

When I was little I was placed in special education programs at my elementary school. I do not remember why I was placed in the classes only that they held me back. I missed the opportunity to learn English, math, and science while in those special education classes. During these classroom times I was removed and placed in a different room to play games. I hated that I was considered dumb and useless. I wanted to know how to read and I wanted to know what all the other kids knew. I starting acting out at school because I could not take being held back for reasons I did not understand.

When I made it to fifth grade I overheard my family talking about the possibility of being held back a grade because I was performing poorly and I was outraged. I had been teaching myself to read for some time. This is when something kicked in. I taught myself to read not to long after. I also started reading science and math books on my own during recess. I still got taken out of important classes to be in my special education programs but I was performing quite well. I was making honor roll. I even made the Battle of the Books team at my school. Battle of the Books is where you read books and complete against other schools on the information memorized from the books. I even became captain my second year of being on the team!

It was a glorious day when I was taken out of special education classes. I was told I was performing above average! I even managed to be one of the top twenty percent of my class in both middle school and high school! This is a great example of the American Dream because I worked hard and did not let anyone get in my way. I could have stayed in special education classes and only have a high school diploma. However I am a member of the National Society of Colligate Scholars and well on my way to a college degree.

No matter the limitations society may try to place on you. You are your own person. You are free to make your own choices and do what you want without worrying about where you come from. I am a great example of the American Dream. I wanted to be smart and successful and I am. People who hear this story do not seem to believe the battle I overcame in order to get where I am. It was a hard battle to overcome what my elementary school tried to cripple me with. However here I am today, with the same drive and effort and making something of my life. People can try to cripple me, but I will not be held back. I am a determined young woman and I have my entire life ahead of me. I will continue to work hard and gain a better life for myself. This is the American Dream, to work for your goals. My goal is to have a better life then what I could ever have imagined.