Spring 2025 Winner of the Crowder Law Firm Scholarship

Carolina De La Torre

Carolina is a student at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón who aspires to make a positive impact through her work. We congratulate her on this achievement and look forward to her future accomplishments in the arts and marketing field!

Read her essay here:

The American Dream, an ideal deeply ingrained in the fabric of American culture, has long symbolized the promise of prosperity, success, and upward mobility achieved through hard work and determination. Rooted in the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and a better life through their efforts, this dream has been a guiding principle for generations. However, as society evolves, so too does the nature of the American Dream, presenting new challenges and redefining its attainability. This essay explores the traditional concept of the American Dream, examines contemporary barriers to achieving it, and reflects on its relevance through personal experience.

Historically, the American Dream emerged as a beacon of hope for many immigrants and citizens seeking to improve their social and economic standing. It was characterized by the notion that hard work would lead to material success and a higher quality of life. In the early 20th century, this dream was often associated with homeownership, a stable job, and a comfortable lifestyle. It was a vision of upward mobility where each generation would achieve more than the last. Over time, however, the concept of the American Dream has evolved. While it once predominantly focused on economic success, today’s interpretation also encompasses a broader spectrum of personal fulfillment, including education, health, and social equity. This evolution reflects changing societal values and economic conditions, necessitating a reevaluation of the dream’s attainability in contemporary society.

In recent decades, achieving the American Dream has become increasingly complex. Economic mobility, once a hallmark of American life, has become more challenging due to a variety of factors. The gap between the wealthy and the poor has widened, making it more difficult for individuals from lower-income backgrounds to achieve upward mobility. According to recent studies, the United States has experienced a decline in intergenerational economic mobility, indicating that children born into poverty are more likely to remain in poverty as adults.

Education, a crucial pathway to achieving the American Dream, is not equally accessible to everyone. Disparities in educational quality and access contribute to the widening gap in opportunities. Children from underprivileged backgrounds often attend schools with fewer resources and opportunities, limiting their potential for success. Furthermore, the rising cost of higher education has placed a significant financial burden on students and their families, making it more challenging to attain the educational credentials necessary for many career paths. Additionally, socio economic barriers, such as systemic racism and immigration challenges, further complicate the pursuit of the American Dream. For marginalized communities, these barriers can significantly impact their ability to achieve economic success and social mobility. Discrimination and unequal treatment in various aspects of life, such as employment, housing, and education, can impede progress and limit opportunities.

My father’s experience vividly illustrates the broader challenges faced by many individuals and families in pursuing the American Dream. A Mexican immigrant who sought a better life in the United States, my father initially found opportunities for advancement and success. However, ten years ago, he was deported, an event that drastically altered our family’s trajectory. The impact of his deportation was profound. It not only disrupted our family’s stability but also highlighted the vulnerability of immigrant families in achieving their dreams. Despite his hard work and contributions to society, the loss of his presence and the opportunities he had were taken away in an instant. This experience underscores how systemic issues and policies can significantly affect an individual’s ability to pursue and achieve the American Dream. The challenges faced by my father reflect a broader issue that many immigrant families encounter. The uncertainty and instability brought about by immigration policies, coupled with socio-economic barriers, can hinder their pursuit of the American Dream. This personal story exemplifies the broader systemic issues that affect countless others and challenges the notion that hard work alone is sufficient to achieve success.

Considering the current socio-economic landscape, it is evident that while the American Dream remains a powerful and aspirational concept, its attainability has become more complex. The traditional notion of achieving success solely through hard work and perseverance is increasingly challenged by systemic barriers and inequalities. Economic mobility is more constrained, educational opportunities are not equally accessible, and socio-economic factors can significantly impact one’s ability to succeed.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the American Dream is not entirely out of reach. Many individuals continue to overcome barriers and achieve success, often through resilience, community support, and policy changes. The dream can still be attainable, but it requires addressing the underlying issues that contribute to inequality and creating a more equitable society. Efforts to reform education, improve economic opportunities, and address systemic barriers are essential in making the American Dream more attainable for everyone. Additionally, personal stories like mine can serve as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by many and the need for continued advocacy and reform.

The American Dream, with its promise of prosperity and success, has long been a cornerstone of American values. However, achieving this dream in today’s context is influenced by a range of socio-economic factors and personal experiences. While barriers and challenges have made the pursuit of the American Dream more complex, it is not an unattainable ideal. By addressing systemic issues, improving access to opportunities, and supporting individuals in their pursuit of success, we can work towards a more inclusive and attainable version of the American Dream. My father’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many and highlight s the importance of striving for a society where the dream can be realized by all.