The meaning of the phrase “American Dream” has changed throughout the last century. Once meant to represent the seemingly attainable goal of upward social mobility in the United States, is now thought of by many as a folly, an outdated lie that continues to attract people from every corner of the Earth to America. But how outdated is it, really? Does the American Dream still hold any truth today?
To answer these questions, I spoke with a living, breathing example of the American Dream. I was honored to learn about the life and experiences of S, a successful businessman, first-generation immigrant, and good friend of my father’s.
S, along with his father and sister, arrived in the United States in 1977 from a small, English-speaking town in Central America. The family followed S’s mother, who had spent the two previous years working as a nanny in the United States to qualify for a GreenCard, allowing her children and husband to immigrate as well.
Despite racial tensions throughout middle and high school, his father leaving his family behind and returning to Central America, having to give up collegiate soccer, and working long hours to afford tuition, S eventually graduated from an American Northeastern university with a degree in mechanical engineering. With more than twenty five years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, S went on to become extremely accomplished, serving as the Senior Vice President at a pharmaceutical company. S is currently an executive consultant for companies looking to better understand strategies in emerging markets and sits on the board of another pharmaceutical company.
“America is still the place to be”
S’s story is one of resilience, determination, and faith. After our conversation, I found myself pondering a new perspective of the American Dream. Sure, S’s life and the opportunities he made for himself cannot be equated to the experiences of a majority of immigrants, but I recognized their commonality. As S put it, “America is still the place to be.” Since the beginning of American history, millions of immigrants have left their homes, and oftentimes their families, to pursue success in America. Regardless of the cultural or linguistic obstacles in front of them, these immigrants saw, and still see today, the United States as their best gamble in the game of life.
When I asked S if he still believed in the American Dream today, after more than four decades in the United States, he smiled and said simply, “I am the American Dream.”
I couldn’t agree more.
S is…
- 57 Years-Old
- Male, Cisgender
- Black
- West Indian American
- Catholic
- Wealthy
- Heterosexual