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The book "The Distance Between us" by Reyna Grande is an incredible example of the American Dream. Reyna's father leaves his family behind in Mexico to try and make money and create opportunity. When her father doesn't return for several years, their mother leaves for the US leaving all the children in Mexico with their Grandparents. At a very young age, Reyna and her siblings cross the border into the US. Reyna had an extremely difficult childhood, with an abusive father, a distant mother, and poverty all interfering with her life. Eventually, Reyna makes a better life for herself. In the text it states, "IN JUNE OF 1999, I became the first person in my family to graduate from college. At UCSC I earned my BA in creative writing and in film and video and graduated with college honors, honors in the major, and Phi Beta Kappa" (Reyna Grande). It is amazing to me that even with all the hardship she faced, she never gave up and her hard work payed off. She became the first ever person in her family to graduate college which is a massive accomplishment.

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This article is a story told by Eduardo A. He talks about his parents and the hardships they faced in their lives. He covers topics from money problems to racial problems, and also discusses how his parents overcame their problems with determination. In the article he states, "My mom was a native-born American who struggled economically but was able to succeed due to her work ethic and ability to connect with other Americans all around the country" (Eduardo A). This directly states that with a good work ethic you can achieve a lot. It also shows how his mother was able to use her ability to connect with people to her advantage, proving how you can and should capitalize on your skills. Later in the article he states, "My father was able to overcome racial challenges he faced by valuing the importance of education. His family had always prided itself for how it treated the importance of education, specifically in the fields of medicine, law, and business" (Eduardo A). This quote shows that regardless of what challenges you might face, prioritizing knowledge and your passions will help you to be successful.

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I interviewed Alex, one of the security guards on our campus.
"What does the American Dream mean to you?"
Alex believes that The American Dream is to be financially stable and have good relations with your family.
"What did you want to be when you grew up?"
Alex said that he wanted to be a rockstar, and he had gotten as far as to write his own music as well as performing gigs.
"What is your American Dream?"
Alex said that he wanted to retire comfortably somewhere where he can play golf and go to the beach.
"What or whom influenced your American Dream?"
Alex said that his American Dream was heavily influenced by his dad, who immigrated to America with nothing and he created a family and success. His dad taught him that he doesn't need to be rich to be happy or to chase your American Dream.
"Have you ever had your hopes and dreams come true?"
Alex said that he dreamed of being a father one day, and he is happy that he was able to start his own family.
"Is the American Dream realistic to achieve?"
Alex believes that the American dream is 100% possible to achieve if you are willing to work hard and always put your best foot forward.
"Do you believe that the United States is still a land of opportunity?"
Alex believes that the United States is one of the countries with the most opportunity, but you have to take advantage of it and continue to grow.
"What is the one piece of advice you remember your parents trying to impress upon you?  Did you take their advice?"
Alex said that his parents always told him to work hard and to be honest. He thinks that those pieces of advice have carried him through life and helped him.
"What advice do you have for me regarding my dreams?"
Alex said to choose your close friends carefully and be careful who you trust as people are an extremely important factor in your life.

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This is a youtube video that I stumbled across a while ago. It is an older gentlemen giving his best advice to younger people. In the video he discusses his past and his growth. He explains that he had a difficult childhood, but he also expresses that there is no excuse for not achieving your dreams. He then goes on to explain that he used to live in the back of an old car, and he taught himself to read and write. Now, he has raised five children, published five books, graduated college, and studied scripture for many years among other things. Throughout the entire video, he is talking about reaching out to better yourself, to keep pushing and learning, and to never give up no matter what. I think this man is an excellent example of the American Dream. He grew up in nothing, and due to his hard work and determination, he has achieved many great things.

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I chose the song "Juicy" By the Notorious B.I.G. This song details how Biggie went from barely scraping by to being rich. Several times throughout the song he references his life and hardships he had, and then shows how his life changed for the better. For example, "Thinkin' back on my one room shack, Now my mom pimps an AC' with minks on her back" (B.I.G.). This lyric shows how he reflects on his hardships and relishes in his success, knowing that he made it where he is through hard work. Another quote that reflects this mentality is, "Damn right I like the life I live 'Cause it went from negative to positive and it's all..." (B.I.G.). This lyric shows that he is proud of his success and proves that you can change your life for the better regardless of your position. At one point in the song, Biggie even mentions how he overcame racial discrimination by saying, "Stereotypes of a black male misunderstood, and it's still all good" (B.I.G.). Overall, this song is a great source to show how people can overcome hardships and become great, regardless of current status.

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My American dream is to become a US Army Ranger in the 75th Ranger Regiment. I first heard about the Army Rangers when I watched a documentary on the battle of Haditha Dam, which was an important battle during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. 100 Rangers fought off roughly 6000 Iraqis within a 30km radius, killing 120 Iraqis while only losing three Rangers. When I first learned about this battle I knew I wanted to be a Ranger. The strength, determination, and sheer bravery that they exhibited completely inspired me and showed me the necessity of hard work and pushing yourself. I love my country and it's my dream to fight and risk my life to uphold the people within it, as well as the values that it represents.

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Everybody has a different definition of the American Dream, with many people interpreting it in different ways. The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the constitution of the United States, with many aspects of the constitution shaping the classic American Dream. For example, the declaration says that “all men are created equal” and that every person has the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The term "American Dream" originates from the 1931 book "Epic of America" written by James Truslow Adams. In this book, he describes the American Dream as "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." This book is one of the primary reasons why the term became popular.