By Griffin Marcy
Every generation has their own view of the American Dream.
That’s Jacob Riffer, a junior at Syracuse University. For Riffer, there’s many things that have helped shape his identity and his American Dream. Sometimes it’s growing up in a single parent household…
A lot of kids didn’t realize or know what it was like to not have both parents. But to me that was the norm.
Other times it’s being a part of the ROTC.
There’s a lot more I had to learn than just putting on a uniform and showing up at the right time at the right place.
Or maybe it’s not fully knowing his ethnic background.
I don’t know who my parents were or what you know what ethnicity I am. You know, when you look at me it’s like I’m brown. I love being brown. You know what I’m saying. I just love it, because it’s who I am.
But for Riffer, the American dream all centers around one thing.
It all comes down to service, whether that be service to a country or just service to my friends or family.
Service is the center of Riffer’s American dream. He believes everyone can have their own.
But honestly, I think now, more than ever you can make the American dream what you want it to be.
Jacob is…
- 21 years old
- Male
- Russian
- Straight
- Russian
- Lower Middle Class
- Christian
I am a member of the Syracuse University ROTC Stalwart Batalion, I moved to the United States at a young age after being adopted from my American family from Russia. My adopted father passed away when I was in elementary school so I grew up very close with my adopted mother.