What is the American Dream? For many, it represents the hope of success and prosperity, regardless of one's background or circumstances. However, for undocumented immigrants like me, the American Dream has been a source of both inspiration and frustration. On one hand, it represents the possibility of achieving my dreams and making a positive impact on society. On the other hand, it highlights the struggle for recognition and acceptance in a society that often marginalizes undocumented individuals. My parents came to America to fulfill the American dream, and they did so when they were around my age. They were hopeful, dedicated, scared, young adults with a dream. They worked hard and made sacrifices for that dream to give their children access to education and opportunities that was out of their reach. My parents always emphasized the importance of education, and they constantly reminded me to work hard and “ponte las pilas” when it came to school. I didn't fully understand the obstacles I would face until I started high school. I noticed that all my friends were working at their first jobs and making money. I also wanted to work so that I could help my parents financially, however, I learned the harsh reality of my undocumented status. Although I was raised in America, I was born in Mexico which made me ineligible to work, own a credit card, and apply for Financial Aid. America is known as the land of the free, yet undocumented people are not truly free. They aren’t free from stereotypes, they aren’t free from limited opportunities, and they must push through farther than anyone else. Still, overcoming these obstacles only make achieving my goals worth much more. When I am an American citizen, I will not wonder what I have to do to get what I need for my career. I will no longer worry about what I can’t do and enjoy the prospect of what I can do. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to help people. I was interested in the medical field, but I didn't know how I was going to achieve my dream. I didn't have a social security number, so I couldn't get a job, yet I refused to give up on my dream. I knew that I had to find a way to make it happen. I did some research and found out that I could take a Certified Nursing Assistant class without a social security number. I was one of the first undocumented students in Illinois to take a CNA class using my ITIN and passed at the top of my class. This was a huge accomplishment for me because I knew that I was one step closer to achieving my dreams. Everybody dreams, but not everybody has that determination to fulfill those dreams. A lot of people give up on their dreams if too many obstacles are in their way. My future is a privilege, and I don’t have the desire to give up. In conclusion, the American Dream is not just a dream, it's a journey. A journey that requires perseverance, dedication, and hard work. A journey that enables me to pursue my passions and achieve my goals. For me, the American Dream has allowed me to be the first in my family to become licensed as a CNA and continue my education for a career in the medical field as a registered nurse. The American Dream is not just my dream; it's a reality that I live every day.