Last month, I was on a bus with a group of colleagues. We were on our way to a ropes course, which was part of our leadership training. Instead of letting us chit-chat during the ride, the facilitator put a video in for us to watch. As we watched Beth Wheelan’s presentation at the 2007 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) conference, I was struck by how much it coincided with the American Dream.
Wheelan’s address was about diversity in higher education – racial, age, economic, etc. We all have something to overcome to achieve our goals. She suggested that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success. The part of her speech that got me hooked was when she said that Americans may have different goals in life, but even if we are in a tough situation, we should remember the four most important letters in American - I CAN. It was a great pep talk and quite timely too, since we were about to spend two hours practicing teamwork at a ropes course.
My son is a fan of trains. From the age of eighteen months to just a few years ago, presents were easy – he wanted the newest Thomas the Tank friend. It’s no surprise that one his favorite books is The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. As the little engine is pulling a train up a big mountain, he chants, “I think I can, I think I can…..” Isn’t that exactly what we need to do to achieve our dreams? Keep trying, keep plugging away until we reach the top of the mountain.
When our children begin getting frustrated while learning a new skill (or just whenever), my husband and I remind them, “I think I can, I think I can.” That little reminder gives them time to take a deep breath, regroup and try again. It also reminds them that if they want to achieve their goals, they can’t give up - they need to keep trying.
Throughout this semester, we’ve read many definitions of the American Dream. In my first blog entry, I suggested that the American Dream is the freedom to choose your own dream, and if you need to change your mind along the way, that is ok. To my original definition, I add that, part of the American Dream is the work that goes into achieving that dream.
The American Dream may not be so much about the dream itself, but more about the journey to achieve it. Think about all we’ve learned as we’ve worked to achieve our American Dream. And, if you’ve been sidelined in your journey toward to your American Dream, remember those powerful four letters, “I CAN.”
Until next time….keep dreaming.
Piper, Watty (1930). The Little Engine that Could. New York, NY: Platt & Munk.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
October 30, 2008
Since we are just days away from the election, it is a good time to discuss voting.
The right to vote, to have your voice heard, is one of the things for which our fore fathers fought. One of the reasons why the Declaration of Independence was signed was because our founding fathers wanted a “say” in how the country was run. In Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, he says, “A government of the people, by the people, for the people” (1863). To break that down, everyone should get a say in the government.
The fifteenth amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1870. It says, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” All men were given the right to vote.
Thanks to the work of Susan B. Anthony and other suffragists, fifty years later women were given the right to vote. The nineteenth amendment says, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
Yet another amendment to our Constitution deals with voting. In 1971, the twenty-sixth amendment lowered the voting age to eighteen in national elections.
All of those changes to the Constitution so that more people could vote, yet in the 2004 Presidential election only 64 percent of Americans voted. What will happen in 2008? Is voting a right? Is it an honor? Is it a privilege?
Valentin is a gentleman I work with. He left his country years ago, emigrated to the United States and became a United States citizen in 2006. This will be his first opportunity to vote for president, so I asked his thoughts about the upcoming election. He expressed concern over the fact that Americans have the right to vote, but so many choose not to. He said, “Do they not realize it is an honor to vote?” When he lived in his former country, citizens were allowed to vote, but there was only one political party, so there wasn’t much of a choice. He said Americans should open their eyes, look behind the scenes to get the story on each candidate and then vote for the one who is the closest to your own views. People should go and “make a difference.”
Election day is just a few days away. Take the advice of Valentin - look at what each candidate stands for and choose the one that best represents your views. When you wake up Tuesday morning, realize it is your day “to make a difference.” Go to the polls and let your voice be heard.
And, until next week, keep dreaming.
http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm
http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am15.html
http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am19.html
http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am26.html
The right to vote, to have your voice heard, is one of the things for which our fore fathers fought. One of the reasons why the Declaration of Independence was signed was because our founding fathers wanted a “say” in how the country was run. In Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, he says, “A government of the people, by the people, for the people” (1863). To break that down, everyone should get a say in the government.
The fifteenth amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1870. It says, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” All men were given the right to vote.
Thanks to the work of Susan B. Anthony and other suffragists, fifty years later women were given the right to vote. The nineteenth amendment says, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
Yet another amendment to our Constitution deals with voting. In 1971, the twenty-sixth amendment lowered the voting age to eighteen in national elections.
All of those changes to the Constitution so that more people could vote, yet in the 2004 Presidential election only 64 percent of Americans voted. What will happen in 2008? Is voting a right? Is it an honor? Is it a privilege?
Valentin is a gentleman I work with. He left his country years ago, emigrated to the United States and became a United States citizen in 2006. This will be his first opportunity to vote for president, so I asked his thoughts about the upcoming election. He expressed concern over the fact that Americans have the right to vote, but so many choose not to. He said, “Do they not realize it is an honor to vote?” When he lived in his former country, citizens were allowed to vote, but there was only one political party, so there wasn’t much of a choice. He said Americans should open their eyes, look behind the scenes to get the story on each candidate and then vote for the one who is the closest to your own views. People should go and “make a difference.”
Election day is just a few days away. Take the advice of Valentin - look at what each candidate stands for and choose the one that best represents your views. When you wake up Tuesday morning, realize it is your day “to make a difference.” Go to the polls and let your voice be heard.
And, until next week, keep dreaming.
http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm
http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am15.html
http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am19.html
http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_Am26.html
Thursday, October 23, 2008
October 23, 2008
Last week, I discussed the first part of James Truslow Adams’ definition of “American Dream” as described in his book The Epic of America. This week’s discussion will be about the last part of his definition. “It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position" (1931).
I believe Adams is saying the American Dream is being the best you can be. Make the best out of what you are given. Turn lemons into lemonade. Work hard and you will succeed at whatever you want to do.
In 1931, when the term American Dream was first coined, it specifically said the dream was not about money. However, when you ask people today what their American Dream is, the majority of time you’ll get an answer that is either, “win the lottery,” “to be rich” or something to that effect. When did the definition begin to change? According to Matthew Warshauer (2003), the shift from the American work ethic occurred World War II, when Americans became obsessed with material goods. He goes on to state that the “rags to riches” stories that at one time were about hard work are now about winning game shows, filing “frivolous” lawsuits and winning the lottery.
Some people have a hard time with the direction of their American Dream. Steve Jobs gave the commencement address at Stanford University on June 12, 2005. In the address, he told the graduates, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” That, my friends, is why we have teachers, social workers and other people who are in notoriously low-paying positions. They do it because it is their heart’s passion, not for the money. It’s their American Dream.
It doesn’t matter where you started in life. It’s what you DO with your life. Find something you like and do it. If you stumble or fall, get back up and try again.
And until next week, keep dreaming.
Library of Congress (2002). The learning page: what is the American dream? Retrieved
October 15, 2008 from http://lcweb2.loc.gov/learn/lessons/97/dream/thedream.html
Stanford University (2005). Stanford News Service. Text of the Commencement address by
Steve Jobs. Retrieved October 22, 2008 from http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html
Warshuer, Matthew (2003). Who wants to be a millionaire? Changing conceptions of the
American dream. Retrieved October 22, 2008 from
http://www.americansc.org.uk/online/American_Dream.htm#_edn9
I believe Adams is saying the American Dream is being the best you can be. Make the best out of what you are given. Turn lemons into lemonade. Work hard and you will succeed at whatever you want to do.
In 1931, when the term American Dream was first coined, it specifically said the dream was not about money. However, when you ask people today what their American Dream is, the majority of time you’ll get an answer that is either, “win the lottery,” “to be rich” or something to that effect. When did the definition begin to change? According to Matthew Warshauer (2003), the shift from the American work ethic occurred World War II, when Americans became obsessed with material goods. He goes on to state that the “rags to riches” stories that at one time were about hard work are now about winning game shows, filing “frivolous” lawsuits and winning the lottery.
Some people have a hard time with the direction of their American Dream. Steve Jobs gave the commencement address at Stanford University on June 12, 2005. In the address, he told the graduates, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” That, my friends, is why we have teachers, social workers and other people who are in notoriously low-paying positions. They do it because it is their heart’s passion, not for the money. It’s their American Dream.
It doesn’t matter where you started in life. It’s what you DO with your life. Find something you like and do it. If you stumble or fall, get back up and try again.
And until next week, keep dreaming.
Library of Congress (2002). The learning page: what is the American dream? Retrieved
October 15, 2008 from http://lcweb2.loc.gov/learn/lessons/97/dream/thedream.html
Stanford University (2005). Stanford News Service. Text of the Commencement address by
Steve Jobs. Retrieved October 22, 2008 from http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html
Warshuer, Matthew (2003). Who wants to be a millionaire? Changing conceptions of the
American dream. Retrieved October 22, 2008 from
http://www.americansc.org.uk/online/American_Dream.htm#_edn9
Thursday, October 16, 2008
October 16, 2008
According to the Library of Congress’ website, James Truslow Adams first used the term, “American Dream” in his book The Epic of America (1931). It is a rather long definition, so I’ll break it down over the next couple of weeks. The first part is "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 richer and fuller life for everyone: isn’t that part of the reason why people from England, France and Spain came to America as some of its first settlers? They dreamed of a land of plenty. They came to be free of religious persecution. They came because they dreamed and in doing so, made it possible for others.
A richer and fuller life for everyone: isn’t that why the Declaration of Independence was signed? The men who signed the document had a dream, too. They wanted a country where “all men are created equal.” Their dream included the “pursuit of happiness.” The newly formed United States opened the door to a wealth of opportunities. Imagine the look of wonder the first time settlers had when they reached the Pacific Ocean. Think about the business and industry that has been started in the United States. Imagine what Earth looks like from space. Someone opened the door of opportunity for others to succeed.
A richer and fuller life for everyone: isn’t that why Susan B. Anthony and other suffragists fought so hard to give women the right to vote? In the 2004 election, the Census Bureau determined that 65% of women voted (only 62% of men did). The work of the suffragists gave women the opportunity to have their voice heard, their vote counted. Our country has countless numbers of women in elected positions, from the local PTA to mayor to governor to Congress.
A richer and fuller life for everyone: isn’t that why Jackie Robinson played baseball? He integrated baseball in 1947 and eventually became a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame. According to the Racial and Gender Report Card for Major League Baseball’s 2005 season, 59.9% of players were white, 8.5% African-American, 28.7% Latino and 2.5% of Asian descent. Jackie helped even that playing field and, in doing so, gave opportunities to others. Try to imagine baseball today without Albert Pujols or Ryan Howard.
I could continue on forever with examples, but I’ll make it short. People in the past have opened the door of opportunity to us. What we make of that opened door is up to us. Will we make our dreams come true? The choices we make today will open opportunity’s door for others tomorrow.
Until next week, keep dreaming.
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/learn/lessons/97/dream/thedream.html
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/voting/004986.html
http://www.bus.ucf.edu/sport/public/downloads/2005_Racial_Gender_Report_Card_MLB.pdf
A richer and fuller life for everyone: isn’t that part of the reason why people from England, France and Spain came to America as some of its first settlers? They dreamed of a land of plenty. They came to be free of religious persecution. They came because they dreamed and in doing so, made it possible for others.
A richer and fuller life for everyone: isn’t that why the Declaration of Independence was signed? The men who signed the document had a dream, too. They wanted a country where “all men are created equal.” Their dream included the “pursuit of happiness.” The newly formed United States opened the door to a wealth of opportunities. Imagine the look of wonder the first time settlers had when they reached the Pacific Ocean. Think about the business and industry that has been started in the United States. Imagine what Earth looks like from space. Someone opened the door of opportunity for others to succeed.
A richer and fuller life for everyone: isn’t that why Susan B. Anthony and other suffragists fought so hard to give women the right to vote? In the 2004 election, the Census Bureau determined that 65% of women voted (only 62% of men did). The work of the suffragists gave women the opportunity to have their voice heard, their vote counted. Our country has countless numbers of women in elected positions, from the local PTA to mayor to governor to Congress.
A richer and fuller life for everyone: isn’t that why Jackie Robinson played baseball? He integrated baseball in 1947 and eventually became a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame. According to the Racial and Gender Report Card for Major League Baseball’s 2005 season, 59.9% of players were white, 8.5% African-American, 28.7% Latino and 2.5% of Asian descent. Jackie helped even that playing field and, in doing so, gave opportunities to others. Try to imagine baseball today without Albert Pujols or Ryan Howard.
I could continue on forever with examples, but I’ll make it short. People in the past have opened the door of opportunity to us. What we make of that opened door is up to us. Will we make our dreams come true? The choices we make today will open opportunity’s door for others tomorrow.
Until next week, keep dreaming.
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/learn/lessons/97/dream/thedream.html
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/voting/004986.html
http://www.bus.ucf.edu/sport/public/downloads/2005_Racial_Gender_Report_Card_MLB.pdf
Thursday, October 9, 2008
October 9, 2008
I am going to get something straight from the beginning. I am a St. Louis Cardinals fan. I am a baseball fan – I will applaud a good play, even if the opposing team makes it. But, first and foremost, I am a St. Louis Cardinals fan. True Cardinals fans root for the Cardinals and anyone who plays against the Cubs. That being said, this week’s entry is about the (gasp!) Chicago Cubs and their lost dream.
The pinnacle of baseball is a World Series Championship. Playing in October is the goal from the first day of spring training in February. Every player that makes it to the big leagues dreams of playing in the Series and winning the ring. Little leaguers dream of making it to the big leagues and winning a championship.
For 100 years, the Chicago Cubs have not achieved their American Dream of winning the World Series. You may have heard all the different reasons why the Cubs are cursed - the cat, the goat, the Bartman ball. After bowing out early in the 2007 playoffs, 2008 was supposed to be the year that the Cubs won it all. This year, the Cubs led their division most of the year and clinched a playoff berth early. The dream was becoming a reality. Three games into the post-season, the dream turned into a nightmare.
An Associated Press article published by the St. Louis Post Dispatch on Sunday, October 5, 2008, introduced me to Al Yellon. Mr. Yellon is a Chicago Cubs fan who has his own website, www.bleedcubbieblue.com. I’ve never met Mr. Yellon, but I can respect and appreciate his passion. On October 3, 2008, the Cubs lost game 2 of the National League Division Series to the Dodgers. After the game, he posted these words at the beginning of his blog, “Put away your dreams, everyone.”
Now, my first reaction to that statement is, “WOO-HOO!!! The Cubs have lost!” and I have begun the happy dance. But, after I catch my breath, I realize how sad Yellon’s statement is. What if we gave up each time one of our dreams didn’t turn out the way we thought it would? What if people quit dreaming? We can play the “what if” game as long as we’d like, but we all know we can’t give up our dreams. How we react when a dream has been dashed is what defines us. Do we give up? Do we keep plugging away? Do we come up with a new dream?
Yellon continued his October 3rd entry, lamenting the loss and feeling sorry for himself and his team. However, some sliver of hope must have come to Al - the last words of his entry were, “Go Cubs.” If you read his October 5th entry (the day after his team was eliminated), you’ll find these words, “Will I quit? Hell no; I'm a Cubs fan.” Yes, Al Yellon has rediscovered his dream and it will come alive again in February 2009 when the first player reports to spring training.
We can learn a lot about dreams from the way we react when they don’t come true. Step back, reevalute and try again. Never give up. Keep hoping.
And, until next week, keep dreaming.
The pinnacle of baseball is a World Series Championship. Playing in October is the goal from the first day of spring training in February. Every player that makes it to the big leagues dreams of playing in the Series and winning the ring. Little leaguers dream of making it to the big leagues and winning a championship.
For 100 years, the Chicago Cubs have not achieved their American Dream of winning the World Series. You may have heard all the different reasons why the Cubs are cursed - the cat, the goat, the Bartman ball. After bowing out early in the 2007 playoffs, 2008 was supposed to be the year that the Cubs won it all. This year, the Cubs led their division most of the year and clinched a playoff berth early. The dream was becoming a reality. Three games into the post-season, the dream turned into a nightmare.
An Associated Press article published by the St. Louis Post Dispatch on Sunday, October 5, 2008, introduced me to Al Yellon. Mr. Yellon is a Chicago Cubs fan who has his own website, www.bleedcubbieblue.com. I’ve never met Mr. Yellon, but I can respect and appreciate his passion. On October 3, 2008, the Cubs lost game 2 of the National League Division Series to the Dodgers. After the game, he posted these words at the beginning of his blog, “Put away your dreams, everyone.”
Now, my first reaction to that statement is, “WOO-HOO!!! The Cubs have lost!” and I have begun the happy dance. But, after I catch my breath, I realize how sad Yellon’s statement is. What if we gave up each time one of our dreams didn’t turn out the way we thought it would? What if people quit dreaming? We can play the “what if” game as long as we’d like, but we all know we can’t give up our dreams. How we react when a dream has been dashed is what defines us. Do we give up? Do we keep plugging away? Do we come up with a new dream?
Yellon continued his October 3rd entry, lamenting the loss and feeling sorry for himself and his team. However, some sliver of hope must have come to Al - the last words of his entry were, “Go Cubs.” If you read his October 5th entry (the day after his team was eliminated), you’ll find these words, “Will I quit? Hell no; I'm a Cubs fan.” Yes, Al Yellon has rediscovered his dream and it will come alive again in February 2009 when the first player reports to spring training.
We can learn a lot about dreams from the way we react when they don’t come true. Step back, reevalute and try again. Never give up. Keep hoping.
And, until next week, keep dreaming.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 1, 2008
Hello!
When I read about this semester-long blog project on the American Dream, for some reason I thought of the movie, “Pretty Woman.” Maybe it was because I had just watched it the weekend before. Maybe it was because (at one point in my life) Richard Gere was MY American dream. But, as I thought about it, I think it was because of what the “Happy Man” says at the beginning and at the end of the movie, “Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don't; but keep on dreamin' - this is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'” (Pretty Woman, 1990). Change Hollywood to America and I think the happy man sums it up.
As I reflect on my American Dream, I realize it’s changed over the years. When I was in the fifth grade, we made a memory book and wrote what we wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote, “I want to be a teacher and a mother.” Fast forward xx years and I’m a mother, but not a teacher.
When I was in college, my dream was to work for the St. Louis Cardinals. I submitted my resume several times – both in St. Louis and in Springfield. Today, I’m content to be a fan.
When I started my first job after graduation, I liked it so much I was going to stay forever. I stayed there sixteen years before I admitted my dream had changed.
Currently one of my dreams is for my family to be healthy and safe. As of today, that dream is doing ok.
So, maybe my American Dream is the freedom to choose and then change my mind. Maybe it’s the freedom to try new things. I wonder… can a dream be a goal? We have always been told to reach for our dreams, so a dream CAN be a goal. Or is a dream just really a dream?
I asked my supervisor, “What is your American Dream?” His very quick response was, “To win the lottery.” In his case, I think a dream is really a dream.
My son is in fifth grade now, so I thought I’d ask him what his American Dream was. He mentioned freedom and liberty. Then I asked him what he thought he’d like to be when he grew up. He wants to be a chef or a teacher (“Gotta have a back up plan in case one doesn’t work out”). Then he says, “I want to get my Master’s degree before I turn 40.” (I didn’t start until I was almost 40, so he’ll have me beat.) He also mentioned getting his doctorate. Man, he has high goals.
In the end I guess I’m like the Happy Man in “Pretty Woman.” “Some dreams come true, some don't; but keep on dreamin' ….Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'”
So, until next week, keep dreaming.
When I read about this semester-long blog project on the American Dream, for some reason I thought of the movie, “Pretty Woman.” Maybe it was because I had just watched it the weekend before. Maybe it was because (at one point in my life) Richard Gere was MY American dream. But, as I thought about it, I think it was because of what the “Happy Man” says at the beginning and at the end of the movie, “Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don't; but keep on dreamin' - this is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'” (Pretty Woman, 1990). Change Hollywood to America and I think the happy man sums it up.
As I reflect on my American Dream, I realize it’s changed over the years. When I was in the fifth grade, we made a memory book and wrote what we wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote, “I want to be a teacher and a mother.” Fast forward xx years and I’m a mother, but not a teacher.
When I was in college, my dream was to work for the St. Louis Cardinals. I submitted my resume several times – both in St. Louis and in Springfield. Today, I’m content to be a fan.
When I started my first job after graduation, I liked it so much I was going to stay forever. I stayed there sixteen years before I admitted my dream had changed.
Currently one of my dreams is for my family to be healthy and safe. As of today, that dream is doing ok.
So, maybe my American Dream is the freedom to choose and then change my mind. Maybe it’s the freedom to try new things. I wonder… can a dream be a goal? We have always been told to reach for our dreams, so a dream CAN be a goal. Or is a dream just really a dream?
I asked my supervisor, “What is your American Dream?” His very quick response was, “To win the lottery.” In his case, I think a dream is really a dream.
My son is in fifth grade now, so I thought I’d ask him what his American Dream was. He mentioned freedom and liberty. Then I asked him what he thought he’d like to be when he grew up. He wants to be a chef or a teacher (“Gotta have a back up plan in case one doesn’t work out”). Then he says, “I want to get my Master’s degree before I turn 40.” (I didn’t start until I was almost 40, so he’ll have me beat.) He also mentioned getting his doctorate. Man, he has high goals.
In the end I guess I’m like the Happy Man in “Pretty Woman.” “Some dreams come true, some don't; but keep on dreamin' ….Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'”
So, until next week, keep dreaming.
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