What is the American Dream? What is this concept that has been marketed to us as a nation for so many years?
Back in high school, my English teacher asked this exact question to our class. The answers were fairly similar. The majority of the class thought that having a house, car and family was part of the “American Dream.” The overall idea that students had in mind was to have stability. A financially secure life where they can live comfortably.
When I looked at my own family, I realized that life was never about being comfortable. For them, the dream was a lot more selfless. It was more about creating a better lifestyle for their children rather than living a comfortable life. Being in a family where the majority of them are immigrants, I grew up seeing the sacrifices they made in life to ensure that the next generation can be well off.
I am a first generation U.S. born citizen. My parents immigrated to the U.S. almost 30 years ago. They both came from a small town in Kerala (a state located in the southern part of India). A place where everyone knew each other and the ambiance gave you that feeling like you were home. It was the only home both my parents ever knew until they moved to the Windy City. It was a complete change in scenery. From the people to the tall skyscrapers, everything was so different.
Coming to a new country is an overwhelming experience. There's a language barrier and culture shock to deal with. You are surrounded by strangers. Sometimes the treatment you receive from some people is very negative when they see that you are “different.” Moving to another city or state is very difficult for some people. Imagine moving here from a foreign country with nothing much. In this fast paced country, immigrants have to get adjusted to all these new changes quickly. They have to step outside their comfort zone and live in a strange land where they may not be fully accepted in society.
So why come to America if you have to deal with all of that? The answers are usually the same when I ask my family and friends who moved here. They come here for a better future and more opportunities. Whether it’s education or to achieve a lifestyle they wouldn't be able to get where they were before. People come here with the hope that greater things can happen. Attaining this goal is not easy. Some people worked more than one job while taking extra classes to further their education. Some people worked in terrible places no one else would want to work at. They do whatever they can to provide for their families. Immigrants give a whole new meaning to the idea of being a hard worker. I’ve never met anyone who was as hard working as them. I never met another group of people with the amount of determination they have. Despite hardships and failures, they refuse to give up. They won’t stop until they succeed.
Immigrants work hard to make the “American Dream” their dream as well. I will always respect my parents for the sacrifices they made to make my life easier. Giving up their wants for mine. Leaving the luxuries they had behind so they could give me something more. Not only that, they did their best to keep me in touch with my roots and help me learn all that I can about my culture despite living in another country. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for them. The American Dream for them is one that is full of selfless love and for that I will forever be grateful to them.
