About American Dream Story
We at American Dream Story firmly believe that the American Dream is alive and well. Of course, many Americans face real challenges of different kinds, and not all opportunities are equally available, but success in various forms is still achievable through perseverance and hard work. The United States of America is still the land of opportunity!
Much of what you see in the news and online is negative and discouraging. For one reason or another, a lot of voices out there are telling people that their dreams are not achievable, that everybody is against them, and, worst of all, that there is nothing they can do about it.
Americans deserve to read stories of success, of endurance, of people taking advantage of opportunities. It makes sense that so many believe the American Dream is dead—very few people are telling the stories!
There are too many stories to tell, ranging from people in your neighborhood to people on the news. American Dream Story seeks to bring some of these stories to you, especially those of more notable Americans. We hope that these stories can inspire you to take advantage of your own opportunities and pursue your own dreams in the land of the free.
What is the American Dream?
The American Dream is a deeply rooted belief that has existed in the hearts of Americans for generations. It’s the understanding that with hard work, perseverance, and innovation, anyone can achieve success and prosperity. The American Dream has inspired generation after generation in American history, instilling in them a spirit of excellence to achieve their aspirations.
It’s important to remember that the American Dream can mean different things to different people and that its definition has changed over time. Achieving the dream doesn’t have to mean living in a house with a white picket fence, a pristine lawn, two and a half children, and a six-figure income. Achieving the dream can mean building communities, loving and forgiving others, and learning from the mistakes of the past. It can mean achieving even just one important goal, such as attending a university or living in a safe neighborhood.
Stories
Humans are not machines. We do not exist to simply process information. We live to have experiences, or, in other words, live within stories. Each human life is a story live and a story to tell.
Stories have been told among virtually every human culture for millennia, and probably even further back. They stir emotions of every kind, compel us to action, and even change our worldviews. Telling stories is a way of transforming raw information into something deep and meaningful, something that penetrates not only our minds but also our hearts. This is partly because stories can help us to connect to each other, fostering empathy and enabling us to see from another’s point of view.
Curious about where you fall in the American Dream? PBS offers a fun quiz called "What's Your American Dream Score?" that you can take directly on their website. You can find out what experiences were working in your favor and what you had to trials you had to overcome to get where you are today.
As you navigate through the quiz containing questions about career ambitions, educational attainment, and financial stability, your American Dream score provides a tangible measure of your progress towards achieving the American Dream and gives you resources you can apply as well. Take the quiz today!
Get Involved
Do you know a American Dream Story that would inspire and empower others on their journey towards the American Dream?
Share with us today, and let it become a beacon of hope for countless others.