This is Being An American

I believe being an American is to achieve the American Dream. I believe that this dream doesn’t only apply to American “citizens”, but applies to anyone that seeks it. The major reason that immigrants come to America is to fulfill the American dream. They come to America to build success and start families, so as generations continue everything is set for the future.

My parents came from Bangladesh to America to achieve the American dream so my sister and I both grew up in New York City. I believe being born on American soil, proves that you are an American citizen, although embracing the culture is what makes someone American. Through time I learned about my Bengali culture as well as my American culture, and my religion. I learned about the different foods, music, dances, clothing, for both my Bengali and American culture. I learned how to speak Bengali at home, English at school, and how to read Arabic when I read the Quran. I believe understanding who you are or where you come from is also part of the American dream.

My parents were one of the reasons why I think being an American is achieving the American dream. They want my sister and I to choose a career either in the medical field, law field, or business field, because they think these are successful fields. When I was around fourteen, I decided that I had no interest in the law field, and wanted to do something that would satisfy myself, not my parents. I chose the fashion industry. As time went on, I wasn’t as interested in the fashion industry, but through my school, I’ve learned about so many other jobs and now I am interested in the medical field after all.

I also believe that in order to get the career you want, you have to be educated. My parents always urged me to think of attending an Ivy League school, such as Barnard, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, NYU, and Georgetown. My parents thought attending an Ivy League school was the better option, because they are known for their high academics. Although, I believe you can attend any college you desire, and this will lead you to your career you want to pursue.

Being able to buy anything you want is also part of the American dream. What I see on television, read on magazines, and see on the internet, gives me ideas on what the American dream might look like. This makes me think of buying the ideal things an American has: a big house and an expensive car, and having a big beautiful family. I believe the American dream is also to dream big and have goals in life. If I do work hard and educate myself, I will then be able to buy what I desire, with the career I want to pursue. The American dream has a huge impact on what I believe it is to be an American.