As a student growing up in America, the American dream means to me, that you work hard and after many years of hard work it all pays off. You can relax for the rest of your life. Worrying about simple things not bills, income, and other expenses that a person could lose sleep over. You have time to focus on family, friends, and other things that appeal to one. Do I think the American dream has changed? Yes I do indeed think it has changed since our founding fathers imagined this country. I feel that today all people are after is money. Of course money is a important factor when providing for yourself and your family, but money is not everything. Well at least to me it is not.
             When the pilgrims immigrated to America from Europe they had a dream of their own, political and religious freedom. My mother and my father have two very different views of what the American dream means to them. My family is not rich by any means, nor are we poor. We are the typical middle-class suburban family. From when I can remember my mother was and still is worried about bills, insurance, and the mortgage. Always discussing with my father about certain bills that have to be paid, and or why did he make a payment with one of the credit cards. My mother thinks that if you have enough money then you can achieve and do anything. I agree with her to a certain extent but not entirely. Money and materials is my mother's American dream.
             My father on the other hand thinks in his mind, he has achieved the American dream. My father was a captain at Rikers Island for many years and worked very hard to provide a nice life for his family. Two years ago he retired. Although he now works as a Athletic Director at Saint Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, he reaps the benefits of his past job. Every month the city of New York sends him his pension check, my family is also covered with a great healthcare plan, because he work
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