My definition of the American Dream is the dream of ambition and success, a dream my parents had when they came to the United States and worked jobs below their degrees. It’s the belief that success isn’t just going to come knocking on my door; I’m going to spend nights sitting on a green couch, studying hard and reviewing past exams for an organic chemistry test, because I don’t have the time or comfort to go party with the rest of my friends. It’s the self-awareness that, if I want to achieve A’s in my pre-med prerequisites, I will have to be outside the professor’s office at 4 p.m. every Wednesday with a journal filled with questions, thinking, “Are there any more practice problems?” It’s a realization that, if I want to achieve my goals, I must put in the effort and take full advantage of the resources available to me. It’s also the recognition of how lucky I am. Every morning, I dress up and stand in front of a mirror, adjusting the hem of my black-and-white striped shirt, feeling grateful that I have the opportunity to attend school every day. I am fortunate enough to pursue my education without the disruptions of teacher strikes, which are so common in universities back home in Nigeria. This perspective makes me realize the value of education and the opportunities I’ve been given. Yes, being undocumented is hard and it locks doors, but the American Dream is one that instills hope; hope that some might describe as false hope, but it promotes the spirit and consciousness to not give up. It encourages the strength to envision the future and keep searching. Like my dad would say, "It's hard to reach a goal or achieve success in areas where you can't imagine or see yourself succeeding. You must first dream it and see yourself there." The American Dream means being able to envision a successful career and future as a doctor, knowing that I am willing to put in the hard work, search for and use the resources provided by my parents, friends and community to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain. It also means giving back to my community, helping others in the way that I was helped (ex; sharing resources). The American Dream, to me, is defined by the many opportunities available to those who are willing to put in the extra work for them; opportunities I am grateful for and excited to embrace as I look ahead to the future.

"We might have to go back, It seems as though things are not going as planned." Said, my father. Upon hearing such words from him I broke out in tears. Knowing the struggles and hard work that my parents had put into bringing both me and my siblings to America, hearing such words from my father broke my heart. Scanning the room with my teary eyes the fear and disappointment were evident in the eyes of everyone. Earlier that day my dad had come home from his interview with USCIS. According to him they were a lot of complications, were as they thought his document which was real was forged. Hearing such news lowered all our expectations and hope for getting a green card and moving on with life in The United States. The fear we felt that late Afternoon can't be simply put in words. I had my brother in the corner palming his head. It was his Senior year of High School. The only words he could utter were "Is this it for us? Does that mean after high school we are DONE.". For me, Heartbreak and sadness come from seeing a lost one suffer. Being there in that room with my family, I had no way to console them cause I as well was heartbroken and suffering. However, this moment embedded in my memory has though me a lot about how in life there would be several challenges thrown at you. But one should never let their challenges intimidate them and lead to them giving up or feeling small. With determination, perseverance, and the right people around you, you can overcome any challenge. Even today we are still immigrants and are working on getting our papers. My family especially my brother showed his determination and perseverance in overcoming the challenge and fear of being unable to college because of our status. He made it to college with scholarships, reducing our fear and inflicting the hope that regardless of how slow the process of immigration is for us, it should be a reason to through away the suffering of our parents to bring us to The US. My brothers' achievement did not only become my home but also my motivation. My motivation is to as well get into a good college with scholarships to reduce the worries of my parents. While they worry about immigration I worry about my grades and make sure no distraction or challenge makes me lose the fight of my focus. Today I have learned to uptake any challenge head-on and not feel belittled in the face of any challenge I come across. Why? Because I have the right people around me, and I am determined.