By Alexandra Magram

For Kuande Hall, the American Dream has never been a fixed destination. His journey, marked by 14 years in the Marine Corps and a later transition into higher education, redefined his definition of success. Hall views the American Dream as a “moving target,” one we may never reach, shaped by resilience and opportunity yet complicated by barriers like systemic racism and implicit bias.

Growing up as a Black male in North Carolina, Hall learned from a young age that different expectations were placed on people of color. As a result, he always navigated life cautiously and avoided trouble, making him hyperaware of any missteps or mistakes. This awareness followed him into adulthood, shaping his journey through the Marine Corps and eventually higher education. Throughout his career, he has constantly faced scrutiny, causing him to struggle with imposter syndrome: “It always feels like there’s a larger microscope on me observing my successes, but more so waiting to catch my failures.”

Despite these challenges, Hall sees value in small victories. Today, as a father of four and college educator, he continues to redefine success, knowing that the target of achieving the American Dream is constantly moving with every phase of life.

Cover Title: "Stories of Service" Taglines: Real Stories. Real Veterans. How to Tackle the Moving Target Expectations Set Under a Microscope Visual Description: The black-and-white cover photo features a kneeling military servicemember—likely from Public Affairs (as indicated on the hard hat)—holding a professional camera with a long lens. He appears focused and engaged in documenting something, possibly a moment from the field or a story worth telling. Surrounding him are natural elements like leaves or mulch, emphasizing that this work might be taking place outdoors, potentially during a deployment or training.
Visual Description: The left half of the image is dominated by a striking photo of two Marines in profile, dressed in formal uniform and holding ceremonial swords. Their expressions are solemn and focused, conveying discipline, strength, and introspection. The bold, oversized word “REIMAGINED” overlays the image in a deep red serif font, tying visually into the theme of transformation. Subject: Kuande Hall Key Themes: The American Dream as a “moving target”—constantly evolving, not a fixed endpoint. Hall’s 14 years in the Marine Corps and later transition into higher education reshaped his view of success. He reflects on navigating life as a Black man in North Carolina, facing implicit bias and racial expectations. His journey has been marked by scrutiny, imposter syndrome, and a pressure to avoid failure. Despite these challenges, Hall values small victories and finds success as a father and educator, redefining the dream through each phase of life.

Kuande is…

  • 50 years old
  • Male
  • Black
  • Straight
  • Middle Class
  • Christian
  • Disabled Veteran