First-Generation Americans Talk About The American Dream

"I think I am my parents' American Dream."

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[JamesV]

I'm first-generation British but still feel I can relate just as much to *"The American Dream".* My parents spent months on a small fishing boat lost at sea, endured so many hardships, sacrificed so much to get here just for me to have the better life they gave me today. I can't thank them enough and will always love them for what they've done for me. Thank you mum and dad...

[CupcakeRollerblades]

both of my parents are immigrants from mexico, I guess that means I'm a first generation American

[asseater]

my dad is a first generation American from Jamaica. his father worked 3 jobs for 20 years to put 4 boys through college. and they say immigrants are lazy

[yabinglin]

I'm an first generation American... My parents both came to America when they were teenagers and were alone by themselves until they meet each other... My mom was really poor when she first came but she always have money to people who lived on the road and had a loving heart... She is an amazing women and I am glad to be hers

[rin]

as a first gen Asian American
my parents understand that even if I don't do well in high school, I can always go to a community college, and if I try my best, I can still transfer to a better college, and IF I WANT, I have a chance to get into a medical school, if I don't get into one, I could always go to nursing school and try try again until I get to my goal. to my parents, America means chances and opportunity for the children. if I was a crappy student in China, my life would have been over and I'm just so glad my parents gave me this opportunity. I want to give the best to my parents as soon I possible can.

[nygmakemecry]

My parents came here as immigrants from Italia (Italy). America always says that it's a land of opportunity for immigrants and for anyone to come here and have a chance no matter where they're from, so it's shameful how some Americans always say bigoted, bad things about refugees or immigrants from Syria, Mexico etc.

[emma]

I live in the middle east and if i never get the chance to immigrate i'm never having children, i think it is selfish to have children in such a horrible environment and i would never do that to my future children specially my future daughters.

[andreah]

Both my parents are from Caracas, Venezuela in South America. Considering how deep into poverty, crime, and dictatorship the country is right now, I'm very, very lucky to be living here.

[lubamag]

I'm first generation American and both of my parents are from Ukraine. I can honestly say that I wouldn't trade it for the world. All of the weird and funny and difficult experiences my family has gone through have made me who I am today and I've learned to really value every opportunity I'm given here!

[CloudiaTsang]

I am a first generation American. My dad emigrated from Hong Kong in 1980's to go to college here in the U.S. He was the oldest of 3 kids, and his father died when he was a teenager. New York was the first place he worked as a dishwasher in Chinatown. Indiana is where he went to school and learned the American customs, and Chicago Illinois was where he met my mom and finished his degree while also paying for his 2 sisters' educations while struggling to pay his own bills. Growing up, I've always had a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food to eat, and a private education. So the American dream for me is being able to give my parents whatever they need and want and to somehow repay them for all that they've sacrificed for me. The American dream is opportunity, it's living freely, and it's pursuing your dreams, big or small.

[TheSuperNats]

My parents came from Haiti and I always admire and appreciate how much work they did to give my brother and I opportunities. Any success I have is for them. I love you mom and dad!

[SamVikings]

Being a first-generation British the biggest challenge for me was the fear of being socially excluded. Fear of failure, lack of experience followed next. I did struggle with cultural shock in the beginning but eventually none of these things mattered because I came out stronger, smarter, happier (I guess)
The only atrocity is massive burden of student loans

[oXJokerFanXo]

My parents both moved to America from Ireland. They have lived such a tough life for my siblings and I.

[imma]

It's kinda funny, because I'm considering moving to a different country when I'm older. I am nervous for the future of the United States. Sure, I would miss my friends and family, but sometimes I think I might be happier to move away, just because I get so frustrated with the general attitude of Americans and the direction that some people want to take us.

[LeePeteZzzaA]

As a first generation, first generation college student and first born I am put under immense pressure to follow the American Dream and as a university student I want to drop out and find a path that I want to do not my parents and it's so hard for me because I don't want to let my parents down....

[leenastar]

raise your hans if you are a first generation american ✋

[deekshamarla]

Sorry I'm a bit confused. Didn't Safiya say in a previous video that her mom was Indian. In this video she said she was Pakistani.

[spartan]

My parents both grew up in Communist China and immigrated to the US in order to get a better life for their children. They knew that if they had us in China we would suffer so they came here. They still work hard for all of my siblings and me; my dad is extremely harsh when it comes to what he wants from us and our future but at the same time I know it's because he worries about us. We grew up with my parents working from morning till night and getting taken care of by our grandparents. My siblings and I are working hard ourselves to make sure we won't need help from my parents anymore as well as help them retire so they can finally relax. The American Dream to me is to be given the chance and opportunity to make your own life and give your kids the same chance if not a better chance to do the same.

[jimmiat]

My mom came to america from cameroon (africa) for a better life and didn't give up she was even in school while my siblings and I were in her belly she's now a pharmacist and I couldn't be more proud

[julinhaswrld]

My parents both immigrated from brazil. Right now I’m in high school almost graduating and heading off to college. I realize that my parents sacrificed their education and life and put everything on the line to come to the US, to a country where they didn’t know the language or culture. As the oldest of the 3 kids, I will be the first to graduate high school in my family and the first to attend college. It’s hard going through something that’s a major milestone in your life with help from your parents because they don’t know how to help you. But my parents are always by my side when I take these big steps for my future. I stay up late every night because I’m studying to better myself for me and my parents. Younger me would’ve never thought that I’d be taking AP courses my junior year of hs or that I’d be in the national honor society. I love them and I wouldn’t be who I am now without them. 😊❤️❤️❤️🇧🇷