When I was a young girl, I dreamed of a white picket fence, two kids and a dog while living in my hometown. It's what I saw on Disney Channel, and I assumed that was the only route to happiness. As I grew up, parts of this dream began to change or fall off completely. I really have to give credit to my mom and dad for this. They instilled the belief in me that I could do absolutely anything I desired. So much in fact, that they allowed me to travel to Washington D.C. for a conference when I was twelve. I'll never forget what my mom told me when we were on the way to the airport. She said "I want to you see that there is a great big world and a great big life out there." I took that to heart. I caught wanderlust on that trip and knew that I no longer wanted to stay in one place around the same people forever. I wanted to create my own destiny.

By junior high, I had dreams of becoming a doctor. I spent much of my time reading and studying about medicine. I did not have many friends (because what 13 year old wants to discuss the endocrine system?), and I was content with that for the most part. I put energy into school and extracurricular activities as the years went on. I traveled all over the country with my activities. This only furthered my ambition and drive to do something great in the world. I was an extreme overachiever and found that I got far more satisfaction from academics and leadership than from personal relationships. By the time I graduated, I knew that my future did not look like the rest of my peers'. Most of them dated in high school and I did not. I did not have time (or I did not “make time”). Many of them were going to college, however, they were planning on only a bachelor’s degree. I knew no matter what career I picked, I wanted to be a lifelong learner and wanted to earn multiple degrees.

When I came to college, I embraced my independence and loved doing what I wanted when I wanted without trying to impress those around me. I realized that I could live in this state of independence and happiness forever. It was at this time that I began to shape my idea of my own American Dream. The American Dream is defined by Dictionary.com as a “life of personal happiness and material comfort as traditionally sought by individuals in the U.S.” Before I came to college, I assumed that the American Dream was could only be a life that was family centered with a suburban house and 2.3 children. I always said that the American Dream was not for me, but I realized it is, I have just a different type.

My American Dream is a decent sized and cutely decorated apartment in the heart of a city. A twelve-hour work day as an accountant or lawyer. Volunteering on the weekends. Spending my spare time with a few close friends or my cats—who will be named Willa and Theo (I’ve thought a lot about this). Traveling to new places all over the world whether for work or just because I want to. This dream does not necessarily include a boyfriend or husband, but if one came along, I would not object. The most important part is that I get to shape it how I please. I think everyone should have their own version of the American Dream. Stop fantasizing about a life that Disney Channel and Lifetime told you that you should have. Look at what would truly make you happy. Sit down and evaluate what your goals and dreams are and go from there. If this means that you want the traditional family and life- awesome! But it’s also awesome if you decide on something else because the ‘burbs would be your personal hell.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s something you can live with, without regrets, for the next sixty years. Stop believing that there is only one path to happiness and go make your American Dream happen.