The American Dream

America has long been considered the 'land of opportunity." People come here in hopes of a better life believing that they will make it with hard work and perseverance. The research compiled in Class Matters helps to prove that long held position.

One woman, named Della Mae, grew up in the Appalachia region of Kentucky. She lived in a Holler, spent time in foster care, and was a member of the lower class. However, Della Mae worked hard in school and was lucky enough to have a family that encouraged her to go to college and then attend law school. As a result of her diligent school work, she is now a member of the upper middle class and a foster parent to her niece and nephew.

Another man named Tim, was in the middle class able to attend Brown University but only because he was offered a scholarship. He payed off his school debts through scholarships, loans, and fundraising. He then became a missionary at Brown University and says his "quarters as a ministry intern at Brown are actually more upscale than his home in St. Louis" (85). He is now putting himself through medical school hoping that he will make enough money in the future to comfortably support his future family.

Another man named Andy, although he does not have a college degree, was able to work his way up from stocking a supermarket warehouse to supermarket buyer. He started out at a low rung and worked his way up. He has a job, that people now want to see a degree for. He wears a tie to works and he is able to comfortably support his family. He has to work every third saturday and sometimes sundays, but he and his family are not in want of anything.

One more man named Jeff, also worked his way into the middle class. When growing up his family was on welfare and a job at a factory was his ticket to the middle class. The factory job allowed him to leave the working class and make enough money to live comfortably and securely.

A Greek immigrant moved to New York where he started out with only $100 dollars in his pocket. He started out painting closets in a greek restaurant. Through hard work, he learned the ins and outs of the restaurant business and now owns three of his own restaurants working his way to the middle class.

These above stories, along with others, show that the American Dream can be achieved. One can overcome adversity and work their way to a higher social class with hard work, perseverance, and a little luck.