Importance of Education For the American Dream

The American Dream was first said back in 1931 by James Truslow Adams in his book 'Epic of America.' James Truslow Adams (1931) often repeated the following quote in his book: 'The American Dream is 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.' This quote means that you don't necessarily need money in life to succeed and that you should only need your natural talents or personal skills.

The term 'American Dream' comes right back to our founding fathers because they believed that all people had the right on pursuing their true happiness no matter on their ethnic background. The people that want to achieve the American Dream would have to be hard workers in order to work their way up. Although later on the definition of the American Dream was starting to have a different meaning to people.

The current American Dream, is divided by classes (high, middle, low) and because of this it is leaving us in debt because some of us don't have the same advantages as the higher upper class, and it makes us think that we can't approve more than our parents success.

Get quality help now

writer-Charlotte

Verified writer

Proficient in: Career Goals

4.7 (348)

“ Amazing as always, gave her a week to finish a big assignment and came through way ahead of time. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

This leds that it is more difficult for us to obtain the American Dream, the poor wish they had reached the American Dream right away. They wish they had the American Dream at their disposal. The American Dream is taken like a luxury that some can have or some can’t.

Things have changed from the 20th century to the 21st century. Back then only the European immigrants would come to the United States to achieve their goals. The original American Dream is to have a white picket fence, have a family and kids. The modern American Dream is to have a career. The American Dream is not to live on the streets. The modern American Dream is to own expensive things, to live in a better environment and to feel comfortable with how you conform yourself . Basically what I'm trying to state is that on the current American Dream is now based on going to college is the only getaway that you'll have of getting out of 'middle class' but then again it'll leave you in debt because it's expensive and you'll have to pay all the money in order to start your life and get a house etc. That's why it's difficult to obtain the American Dream for the middle class or lower class.

My thoughts on the American Dream is that everyone could make it. Education is the must step for the American dream. Therefore, it should be taken seriously. The American Dream is the high-quality life. Education is what makes the American Dream come true, Although I do acknowledge that this is unable to happen because there is unequal access to obtain a higher education here in the U.S. which is sometimes more difficult for children from low-income families to attend college. And not attending college sets limits on them to have a successful career, and it’s hard to earn a bachelor's degree, which is necessary for many fields nowadays. The American Dream should be an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work.

Education has always been critical in one’s life, but it has its side effects and problems as well. Education is what takes the people of society to a whole new level of knowledge. The American Dream has its requirements to be achieved, and education plays a huge role in it. First of all, Educational people can make it to a high place in life. Furthermore, individuals with higher levels of education help run a nation better because they are more wise and knowledgeable. Last of all, Education is the central purpose of having a good quality life. The path to the American dream can be accomplished or rejected depending on the progress of one’s education.

To begin with, Education has always taken the people into good schools and colleges. In an article created by Jane Playdon (2013), she states,”The most measured benefit of higher education is, of course, graduate salaries, and the report confirms that higher levels of education result in higher earning power.” On average, the benefits of a four-year college degree are equivalent to an investment that returns 15.2% per year. Also, In another article by Hands on Banking (2003), it states,”The Level of education you achieve may make a huge difference in how much money you earn. Did you know that a college graduate earns almost more than a million dollars over a lifetime than a high school graduate?”. This is demonstrating that education can put you in high chances of achieving the American Dream.

Also, Education is the key and central to improve the quality life. In an article that I've previously read from the authors Rosalyn McKeown, Ph.D., Charles A. Hopkins, Regina Rizzi, & Marianne Chrystalbridge (2002), they state, ”Education raises the economic status of families, It improves life conditions, Lowers infant mortality, and improves the educational attainment of the next generation”. Thereby raising the next generation’s chances for economic holds both individual and national implications. Also, In another text by Anglia Ruskin (2016), she states, ”The course offers you a high-level qualification that can keep you in good stead if you want to become a teaching assistant, early years nursery worker or playworker, assisting children at some of the most vital stages in their development.” This is demonstrating that education is the central requirement for the American Dream.

Furthermore, Education is tremendously good, but things can never be perfect. There are side effects and problems when education comes in line. For example, people sometimes sacrifice a lot of their time on education which adds the issue of spending less time at home and sometimes separates you from them when you go to college. In a text by Giles Cadman (2016), It states, ”While you may be learning a great deal, Education is also taking away some of your prime working years. Your 20’s are the years you are meant to start establishing yourself professionally, and depending on how you handle yourself during this time, Education can put a hold on this”. Also in another article by Katherine Sellgren (2014), she states, ”Teachers warn days of up to 10 hours in school or childcare result in children who do not talk to anyone, fall asleep and lag behind their peers. Most of the more than 1,300 teachers polled by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) felt families spent less time together now.”

This clearly shows that although education comes with a whole package, It has its negative side effects.

Last but not least, Education triggers a massive blow on sustainability, Continuation of a defined behavior. I’ve recently another article by Rosalyn McKeown, Charles A. Hopkins, Regina Rizzi, & Marianne Chrystalbridge (2005) their statement was , ”Generally more highly educated people, who have higher incomes, consume more resources than poorly educated people, Who tend to have lower incomes. In this case, More education cause threat to sustainability.” Also, In an article created by A. Ruskin (2016) , I read, ”In 47 countries covered by the 2005–2008 World Values Survey, the higher a person’s level of education, the more likely she was to express concern for the environment'. This clearly shows that education has its positive and negatives.

Finally, The path to the American dream is dependable on the progress of one’s education which will either be accomplished or rejected. Education is the must step for the American dream. Therefore, it should be taken seriously although it has its side effects. The American Dream is the high-quality life. It’s where one can pay their bills in peace because they have good pay due to their work dedication to education. It’s when someone has their family, house, car, and job all on the point of no issues, it is a real life. Education is hard work which leads you to college which takes you to real life later on. This is what makes the American dream come true although there are also side effects and decisions that should be carefully considered.