I believe that in order to define the American Dream, I first have to define what success is, and how it can fluctuate from person to person. Success for me is being able to do what you love, and not have to worry about what anyone else says, and find hapiness in it. I think everyone should strive for this version of sucess, because people would be much happier in the world if we were all happy with our occupations or hobbies. My whole life I have never been afraid of dreaming big, but now that I am in high school, I am realizing that I need to make those dreams happen if I want to be successful.

My father's name is Dr. Mark Baker PhD, he grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, and from a young age always valued education. I chose to do my Americn Dream project on him, because he has always inspired me. He came from a relatively poor family, was the second oldest of 6 children, and even though he was second oldest his parents barely had enough money to send him to college. So he went to University of Kansas, which is a public school, and had to take out many loans to finish his schooling and get his Doctarate of Philosophy. Since then he has paid off his loans and sextupled his house's value since he bought it.

Since a young age my father has always thought the American Dream was "anyone who wanted to go to college could do so." As a child he wanted to go to one of the Ivy League schools, and be one of the top students in the country but as he grew older he started to realize that dream was less realistic. By the time he was in his senior year of high school he was aware that his parents would not have the money for him to be able to go to an expensive school like that.

My father's parents didn't have mcuh money when he was going to college so he had to take out many loans, and work on weeknights and weekends to pay for his education. When he graduated college he went into graduate school where he got a PhD in clinical psychology. He now helps dozens of people daily with their marital, and mental problems, and helps them create better relationships with themselves, their loved ones, and with God. My father believes after going through college, "if people truly want something, they will work for it."

The term "American Dream" was originally used by James Truslow Adams in "Epic of America". When he used the term he meant the American Dream as "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement." I believe Adams wants everyone to look back on their lives, and be glad and proud of the decisions they made.

The original definition of the American Dream connects to my father's dream because he believes in the opportunity of the American School system, and the idea that anyone, no matter what their background, should be able to obtain an education. The American Dream as used by James Truslow Adams, thinks of that same kind of opportunity, based off of ability or acheivement, not appearance and personality. The American Dream was built on the ideal of equality, in a country that is second to none in equality, and should forever be the most equal.

My American Dream is to be happy and find success in my life, as I defined it earlier. I want to take all the opportunities I can to make my dreams happen. I believe happiness is one of the most important things in life, and my dream heavily revolves around that belief. I am always happy, and I have always believed in my current version of the American Dream. Although it may have changed slightly in my description, the foundation of my dream has always been happiness. I believe if everyone was happier in their life, everyone would benefit from it.

My Dream connects to the original definition of the American Dream because it involves taking all the oportunities you can to make yourself happy. I always try to make myself happy, because I like being happy, and I don't think anyone likes being sad. I agree with James Truslow Adams when he says that life should be richer and fuller for everyone. If everyone had their ideal occupation, and was content with who they are, then life would be richer and fuller for everyone.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed my presentation!