Historian James Truslow Adams coined the term the “American Dream” in 1931. He based this idea on the Declaration of Independence. The promise includes life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However, this dream excluded just about everyone. The groups excluded were racial minorities, women and various ethnic groups who now have their own ideas of success through their own lenses.

Sophomore Laila Ephraim defines the dream through her family and progress. She aims to exceed her previous generation and what they were able to do. For her, this vision includes financial success and taking care of her parents.

“I want to succeed at a higher level than the generation before me so that progress continues. It also means being able to take care of my parents when they get older, having a job I’m proud of and making good money. Overall, it’s about success and stability,” Ephraim said.

However, Ephraim acknowledges that for most people, this dream is difficult to achieve. The largest limiting factors she sees are wealth and social status, followed by race and gender and other limiting factors.

“Wealth and socioeconomic status, along with not knowing the right people or having any beneficial connections [are factors]. Race, gender and even physical appearance can also play a role. There are many factors that can force someone to work harder just to reach the same opportunities as others,” Ephraim said.

Ephraim sees economic status as the biggest factor. However she sees race as a constant variable in everyday life.

“People judge others based on appearance immediately you can’t tell somebody’s economic status just by looking at them normally,” Ephraim said.

Junior Parker Lambert views the dream as unattainable for most Americans. He defines the American dream as a life of comfort. This life includes home ownership and financial security. However, the U.S economy creates significant difficulties that might lead to him and most citizens not achieving this goal.

“I think the American Dream is unachievable for most people. It used to be a good goal in the past, when people viewed the United States as a better place than the rest of the world, but realistically, it’s not as attainable now. The U.S. economy makes it very difficult for most people,” Lambert said.

Lambert states a household needs $250,000 per year for a comfortable life, and a very comfortable life requires $500,000 to $700,000 dollars annually. And while this dream is difficult, Lambert believes it’s possible with specific habits.

“Success is possible, but it depends heavily on having the right skills, discipline, access to higher education, and knowledge of high-paying career paths,” Lambert said.