Over time, the concept of the trusted American Dream has become diminished, tarnished, and blemished. Since the colonial era, the American Dream has inspired individuals to strive for their greatest ambitions - because in America, anything and everything is possible. As a result of our unwavering patriotic spirit, our Founding Fathers quickly established our country as the land of opportunity, the beacon of hope, and the light at the end of the tunnel.

As of late, our nation has experienced an elevated amount of civil unrest, racial injustice, and overall social instability. Because of this, the attainability of our historic American Dream has been labeled as an impossible feat. Though we may be flawed, we have the chance to learn from our own mistakes and the mistakes of those before us. As a nation as a whole, it is imperative we continue to feed the power of the American Dream and not allow it to die cold, hungry, and alone.

As college students, it is more important than ever that WE keep holding on to the foundations of the American Dream. Even if modern day society has decided to forego the fundamental building blocks of our great nation, WE have the power to bring the motivation of the dream back. WE have the power to inspire change in ourselves, in others, and in the world. As Rihanna reminds us: WE are the new generation / WE are the new America.

Let us not be the generation that allows the dream to perish. Let us choose to be the force that keeps the American Dream breathing, giving it the rebirth and revival it truly deserves. Though it may be easier said then done, WE are the United States of America and anything is possible.

WE are the new generation. WE are the new America; “just close your eyes and breathe."