The American dream is a beautiful concept, but I’m not sure this generation still believes in it.

Defined by the Library of Congress, the American dream is “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”

A major symbol of the land of the free and the home of the brave, the dream is one in which any person can climb from the very bottom to the top. With hard work and a good education, any individual can become someone.

Living in a paid-off house, having a family and happiness are all achievable.

But what is the plan on how to get there? Do students even still believe in this American dream?

I believe in this dream, but I think the idea of it has changed for this generation. I almost feel it is resented, like the freedom to pursue a brighter future is a selfish act full of too much American pride.

People seem to think the dream is overrated and that America has become some self-proclaimed fantasy world where freedom and a better life are not a true reality.

I wish the idea of the American dream was thought more highly of by my generation.

Half the people my age move back home after college or stay in mediocre jobs.

I’m not saying it is their choice to do that; the struggle is real when it comes to job hunting and financial stability. But I wonder if more people would work harder for a dream that felt more achievable?

There is a generation divide I have begun to notice more and more.

Grandparents and parents have seen the American dream firsthand. They may have been immigrants and saw this land as one filled with opportunity.

It is possible that being born in America, not an immigrant from somewhere with less opportunity, has created a lack of appreciation for the freedom to pursue dreams here.

I dream of one day becoming a famous news broadcaster or well-known news radio voice, and I truly believe it is achievable.

The principle of the American dream is still there, and I think people just need to be reminded of what that dream is, and that it truly can become a reality.

Julianna Eveland can be reached at [email protected] or @janeca12 on Twitter.