A beautiful home, multiple vehicles, annual vacations and overall financial stability are what Americans have referred to as “the dream” for years.
The idea of the “American dream” was originally the promise of the possibility of prosperity and success for everyone, regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.
Throughout history, “the dream” has been altered to fit modern times and society’s standards.
It has also been known to include the opportunity for children to grow up and receive a good education and career without any barriers.
With the decline of the economy came traumatic job losses, home foreclosures and an extreme amount of budget cuts, especially within education budgets.
Now, college students are not only encountering struggles trying to enter the job market, but, before they are even granted approval to enter the professional world, they are up to their eyeballs in debt from student loans.
This doesn’t sound quite like the “American dream” our great-grandparents hoped would be bestowed upon us.
The job market is more competitive than ever, and bright-eyed, hopeful college students are being forced to learn various skills and take general classes — that have nothing to do with their major— just to have some type of advantage over another promising college graduate.
There is nothing wrong with being a well-rounded individual with extensive knowledge.
However, could the government throw extra grants our way to pay for these general-education, character-building classes?
Another devastating product of the economy is the fact that the passion of Americans is dying.
I rarely encounter anyone in the professional workforce that even enjoys their occupation, much less adores it.
I hope I never have to wake up each morning to go work somewhere that does not satisfy me or spark my desire to reach my highest potential.
People are more focused on paying their bills while working reluctantly for a job that makes them an economic zombie than discovering their passion and purpose in life.
What is the purpose of living life if you are unsatisfied with it?
Life-long dreams are what make life worth living.
When I see my peers who know exactly what they want to do in life and are excited, I become motivated too.
It is unfortunate that people feel it necessary, and even crucial, to sacrifice their passion for mediocre satisfaction just to pay bills.
I have met so many creative people who have wonderful aspirations, but fear pursuing them because it may not be a financially secure investment.
Money should never be a setback for anyone when pursuing ambitions.
Once a person is able to discover their special talent, ability or purpose, they should cease this opportunity and find a suitable career that will help them be the person they were meant to be.
Although my generation and those after me may be threatened with a poor economy, I am still optimistic for the future.
The moment I am fortunate enough to discover my purpose and passion, nothing, not even the economy, will have anything on me.
By COURTNEY MCKINLEY
Features Editor
comckinl@imail.iu.edu
