American Dreams

I attended an event at Carver Middle School where sixth-grade students presented their photography projects documenting their concept of an American Dream. Attendees got to tweet about their experiences by using the #AmDream2012 hash tag. 

Sammy used a picture of a stop sign to visually represent her American Dream of stopping hatred and oppression. She wrote that the Declaration of Independence says "All men are created equal". So people should not be denied opportunities due to race or gender.

Many others wrote about how access to education and hard work will help them reach their dreams to become policemen, doctors, and teachers. A pretty little girl with a bow in her hair named Aubree wants to be a mystery writer and an actress. In her picture she had watering cans and garden shovels. She said that they symbolize life. Watering cans deliver water which gives life to plants so they can be healthy and strong.  She said that staying focused at school and working hard are things that will keep her dreams healthy and strong. The shovels represent digging through the barriers that would keep her from her dreams.

These children have inspired me to help my future students attain the tools that they need to be able to realize their American dreams.