By Alexis Mathai

This powerful collage-style image conveys a shift in how people—especially youth—relate to the American Dream and traditional aspirations like “making it in New York.” Text in the Image: Shifting American Dream “Growing up, I was always like I want to go to New York. I don’t even want to do that anymore.” Visual Elements: A collage of New York iconography: Times Square Subway station (Rector Street) Skyscrapers Street signs: “NEW YORK” and “FOLLOW THAT DREAM” Surveillance camera and crowded scenes evoke a feeling of overstimulation, surveillance, or disillusionment. The phrase “FOLLOW THAT DREAM” contrasts with the spoken quote, reinforcing the theme of evolving ambitions.
“The American Dream has largely been defined by being able to achieve one’s dreams by working hard. For many people, that dream is moving to New York City. However, that is not the case for many minorities. Whether it be race, sexuality, gender, religion or socioeconomic class, there are bigger obstacles that can make the American Dream harder to achieve. We interviewed T, a Native Hawaiian student at Syracuse University, on her experience with the American Dream.” The image uses a backdrop of Times Square, NYC, and subway signage, juxtaposed with the Statue of Liberty, which together symbolize the “classic” vision of opportunity in America. The overlayed text challenges that image by introducing structural barriers.
Quote (centered in the image): “I was raised looking at New York City as the place of where all your dreams can come true. They really paint this as the city where anything is achievable.” Visual Elements: Radio City Music Hall neon sign, evoking classic NYC glamour. Van Cleef & Arpels storefront, symbolizing wealth, exclusivity, and high-end dreams. A street sign for 34th St, referencing the heart of Manhattan. A handwritten note reading “New York Romantic”, hinting at the idealized vision of the city. Towering skyscrapers and dense urban layers reflect the overwhelming yet enchanting nature of NYC.
“The New York City lifestyle may be harder to achieve than the movies make it seem. New York is the most expensive city to live in according to C2ER’s Cost of Living Index.” Visual Elements: Layered images of upscale Manhattan buildings, luxury retail storefronts, and landmarks. A cover of New York Magazine in the background. The collage contrasts the glamour of NYC with the economic reality of living there, underscoring how media depictions often mask systemic inaccessibility.
“When I go home and talk to my family members who have never even gotten the opportunity to go to college, I realize how privileged I am to have been given this opportunity and I realize that I need to make it not only for them but for me.” Visual Elements: A stylized illustration of Grand Central Station at the top. Framing elements like a camera viewfinder, evoking self-reflection or documentary-style storytelling. Background: vibrant renderings of New York buildings and the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing both opportunity and the mythic weight of the American Dream.
“At Syracuse University, only 0.1% of undergraduate students are Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (Syracuse University Fall 2023 Census).” Visual Elements: The background shows a packed football game at Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome. Otto the Orange, the SU mascot, appears in the lower left wearing an “SJ” hat. A bold “SU SYRACUSE” logo overlays the top right corner.
“I don’t know if I want to be a news reporter, but I know that whatever things that I learn here in college I want to be able to bring back home and share with my people because we’re a lot more underrepresented.” Visual Elements: A young woman stands on a scenic overlook at sunrise or sunset, surrounded by mountains and an open sky. She wears casual jeans and a soft pink sweater, looking confidently to the side with her hand on her hip. The quote is overlaid in bold white text, symbolizing clarity and purpose against the vast, open backdrop.

Growing up, I was always like I want to go to New York. I don’t even want to do that anymore.

The American Dream has largely been defined by being able to achieve one’s dreams by working hard. For many people, that dream is moving to New York City.

However, that is not the case for many minorities. Whether it be race, sexuality, gender, religion or socioeconomic class, there are bigger obstacles that can make the American Dream harder to achieve.

We interviewed T, a Native Hawaiian student at Syracuse University, on her experience with the American Dream.

I was raised looking at New York City as the place of where all your dreams can come true. They really paint this as the city where anything is achievable.

The New York City lifestyle may be harder to achieve than the movies make it seem. New York is the most expensive city to live in according to C2ER’s Cost of Living Index.

When I go home and talk to my family members who have never even gotten the opportunity to go to college, I realize how privileged I am to have been given this opportunity and I realize that I need to make it not only for them but for me.

At Syracuse University, only 0.1% of undergraduate students are Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (Syracuse University Fall 2023 Census).

I don’t know if I want to be a news reporter, but I know that whatever things that I learn here in college I want to be able to bring back home and share with my people because we’re a lot more underrepresented.

T is…

  • 19 years old
  • Female
  • Hawaiian Puerto Rican German Portuguese
  • Straight
  • Middle Class
  • Spiritual