Pursuing the American Dream: How Ordinary People Create Extraordinary Stories

Apr. 28th, 2025

Under the vast night sky, there is a belief that has traveled across more than two centuries, igniting hope in countless hearts — the American Dream.

The American Dream is not just a slogan; it is a faith: no matter where you come from, as long as you work hard enough, you have the opportunity to achieve a better life. This belief shines brightly through the lives of countless ordinary people.

Expertise: The History and Meaning of the American Dream

Since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which proclaimed that "all men are created equal", the American Dream has become the core spirit of the nation. Historian James Truslow Adams formally coined the term "American Dream" in his book The Epic of America, describing it as a dream that transcends material wealth — where everyone has the opportunity to achieve a better and richer life based on their talents and efforts.

Today, the American Dream is no longer limited to owning a house or holding a high-paying job. It has evolved into a broader idea: fulfilling personal value, pursuing freedom and happiness, and improving quality of life. In this new era, the dream remains powerful—motivating entrepreneurs, scholars, artists, working-class individuals, and everyone who holds hope in their heart.

Experience: The American Dream Belongs to Ordinary People Too

I once had the privilege of interviewing Maria, a supermarket cashier. She came from Mexico, arriving in America with almost nothing. She worked two jobs during the day and attended community college at night to learn English. After several years of hard work, she became a department manager at a large supermarket and used her savings to put her daughter through college.

"I don't need to be a CEO", Maria said with a smile. "Being able to provide a better life for my family with my own hands — that’s my American Dream."

Maria’s story is ordinary yet deeply moving. It’s these unsung heroes, laboring away from the spotlight, who embody the truest, most precious form of the American Dream.

Authoritativeness: The Power of the Dream Backed by Data

According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, about 65% of American adults still believe that hard work can lead to a better life—a percentage that remains among the highest in the world.

Furthermore, a 2022 study by Stanford University indicated that despite challenges like economic inequality and social barriers, "opportunity mobility" — the ability to improve one's social status through education and effort—remains higher in the United States than in most developed countries.

These authoritative data points show that while the American Dream faces real-world challenges, its spirit has not faded. On the contrary, it continues to evolve and flourish.

Trustworthiness: How to Pursue Your American Dream in a New Era

In today’s rapidly globalizing and technologically advancing world, pursuing the American Dream requires three key qualities:
A commitment to lifelong learning: Skills evolve quickly; continuous learning is essential.
Resilience in the face of setbacks: Failure is not fatal; giving up is.
Building strong personal networks: In American society, networking and personal connections often open crucial doors.

Especially for immigrants and young people, it’s more important to set clear goals and remain flexible rather than blindly chasing traditional standards of "success". Your American Dream should be unique — a dream tailored just for you.

Conclusion: The American Dream Belongs to Every Dreamer

The American Dream is not an illusion, nor is it a privilege reserved for a lucky few. It is built step by step, through perseverance and hard work, through the accumulation of small victories over countless ordinary days.

Maybe your dream won't come true overnight. Maybe the road will be filled with hardship and obstacles. But believe this: as long as your heart holds light and your feet stay on the path, every ordinary person can write their own extraordinary story.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "I have a dream".

Today, that dream still belongs to you and me.