My American Dream

I think it really helps to understand why I feel that I think the American Dream is one, uniquely American and two, a reality. My understanding of the American Dream is my experience and really my grandfather's personal life story.

My grandfather, Kenneth Duke, a long-time descendant from the aristocratic Duke family of the South was born and raised in the barren state of Oklahoma. His mother's descendants were "sooners" and were white pioneers hoping to carve out a piece of the American dream- to own a piece of pie so to speak. Anyhow, my grandfather, lived in poverty for most of his life, worked hard and never graduated high school in the small town he grew up in Oklahoma. He made by with what they had. Sacrifice was not just a word to him, rather a living reality. He decided at 18 to enlist in the Air Force during the late years of World War II- where he met a lifelong friend that happened to live in Texas and was in real estate. Each month while other GIs took their paychecks cashed them and spent their allowances, my grandfather saved- probably his past naturally made him a "penny-pincher." He agreed to instead each month use part of his paycheck to invest in land south of San Antonio; he continued to do this throughout the war and then some until he meant his lovely wife in Japan. They married and moved back the States. Thanks to the GI Bill, my grandfather obtained some college education as he worked as a used car salesman. Later, he decided to branch out on his own and become an entrepeneur.

When I was born, the land my grandfather had purchased was just outside of San Antonio's southern extremities. He sold part of the land for development but retained most for himself, building a family ranch which I spent a good deal of my childhood there. To me this rags to riches story of my granfather personifies the story of the American Dream where a boy that really had no further aspirations or possibilities to move up, was able to climb the social ladder of America. Yes, out of luck of his friend but mainly out of a strict abherence to personal restraint.

I can only hope to be half the man my grandfather was. He was a man of conviction, strong character, a sense of duty to others, and above all was compassionate. My grandfather instilled in me a sense of work ethic- I remember he used to me that those that work hard will be rewarded, to avoid distractions, and remain faithful to your friends and family. My family has high hopes for me and rightfully so- I am representing my family name. They push me to achieve my dreams, obtain a college degree, and above all be kind to those around me.