“If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams, and endeavors to lead a life which they have imagined, they will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” – Henry David Thoreau

“One has achieved success who has lived well and laughed often.” This quote seems to sum up what is meant by success. If you are able to laugh often and much then you have definitely achieved happiness. There are three levels of success, in my opinion: societal success, personal success, and academic or professional success. If someone can achieve all of these three levels of success, they are someone who has lived well.

 The American Dream is something different for everyone. For some that is being the first in your family to graduate college, all the way to being the head chief surgeon at the world’s leading hospital in hearts. There is something for everyone in between all of that.

The key’s to success in achieving the American Dream is by working hard toward your goal. Each key that is earned is one step closer toward the dream. As I think of graduating next year and go to college I think of my dream of being able to play softball for college. I have worked so hard toward that dream. Pitching lessons, countless hours of practice, and not to mention all the hours spent in the summer playing travel ball. All of theses keys I have earned are steps toward achieving that dream, turning the key that will open the door.

Achieving that dream comes with hard work, confidence, respect and dedication. All of this is beneficial toward my career dream of becoming a nurse. I know that hard work and dedication are the reward to graduation from college. As my career dream is fulfilled of a nursing degree also comes the financial goal of being able to support myself. The American Dream is also achieving spiritual goals and having a relationship with God.

The American dream doesn’t just stop at one goal. It is a life time of achievements and self satisfactions of each key you earn in life. The American dream is always a work in progress.