From Rags To Riches Essay Example
From Rags To Riches Essay Example

From Rags To Riches Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (609 words)
  • Published: December 5, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Everyone who lives in America or has migrated to America has some sort of dream. There are those that dream of becoming rich and famous, those that dream of success and wealth, and those that dream of that perfect house out in the suburbs with a couple of kids and a dog. No matter what kind of dream it may be, it's never impossible to accomplish any of these ideas. The "American Dream" is very possible for everyone, no matter how big or small it may be, though it is harder to reach that goal when born into poverty.

Those that are born into wealthy families have an easier time making their lives "perfect" compared to those that are born into less fortunate households. Wealthy families have more resources, easy access to education, and often times good "connections" to

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find that perfect job or whatever they might need. An example would be the Kennedy's. Their family has always been wealthy and very well known, therefore their children don't have that much of a problem getting an education or getting a comfortable, high paying job. Less fortunate families have to work hard to stay alive.

They put in long hours in strenuous work conditions in order for their family to have a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs, though with hard work they try to make a better life for their children. "The American dream... is governed not by education, opportunity, and hard work, but by power and fear. " (Terkel 356) Though it is easier for the wealthy to stay wealthy, it is, by no means, impossible for anyone to become wealthy. For instance,

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Oprah came from a very low-income family and grew up in a high crime neighborhood.

She worked hard, went to school, and now she is one of the most wealthiest women in the world. Also, Barack Obama came from a middle class, single parent family home, and with the hard work and perseverance he has put in to his work, he is now president of the United States. Bill Gates is another one, with the intellect and ingenious ideas, he is now among the top richest men in the world. "We learned quickly that you have to look for opportunities and add things up very quickly. " With hard work and dedication, anyone can accomplish the same. (Terkel 353) A good example of all this can be found in the story of Stephen Cruz.

He started off living in a "trashy white" area, growing up in a very low-income family of five. He went to school for engineering, and by the time he was done, had received several job offers. He eventually worked his way through many different companies and ended up becoming in the top 2% of the wealthy. The power eventually became too much, and he resigned from his job to become a school professor, though he was still making a very comfortable living. (Terkel 356) Even though it is extremely possible for the less fortunate to become the wealthy and powerful, they need help along the way.

These families need help, even if it's informing them of how to get help. They need assistance, such as more educational assistance, job placement for those unemployed, along with knowing how to get politically involved. The more the

government is aware of their situations, the more likely these things can be possible. If they are willing, they should get all the help and information possible. The more education they can receive, the better off the children of these homes will be, and with job assistance, then maybe they also can have a comfortable living.

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