The Power of Potential
My American Dream is that inside each and every individual waits infinite genius, creativity, and kindness. This is why I am a teacher, so that I can help nurture and recognize these possibilities inside of young people. While cynics argue that the American Dream died a long time ago, I believe we must redefine the concept and release it from its historic materialistic shackles. In the past, pursuing the American Dream meant settling down in the suburbs with a wife, two kids, and a minivan. But by now hasn't the American Dream finally expanded to recognize and include the multitudes? It's no longer just about money. It's about investing in self-expression, community, and the future.
"Creature From the Black Lagoon"
Throughout my life I have been fearful, especially of repeating the same mistakes my parents made. I grew up haunted by the old saying, the apple doesn't fall from from the tree, and assumed I was fated to relive the choices of my parents. "The Creature of the Black Lagoon" is a cheesy horror film from 1954, one no doubt my parents remember from their own childhoods. I've chosen this icon to represent the silliness of hanging on to past fears. My parents choices are not my own, and there's no reason I should carry this fear and their regret with me into my future.
Family Dinner
Originally I found two different magazine ads depicting family dinners I could add to my collage to demonstrate my dream for the support of a large, caring family. In the end, I had to choose the picture above, which illustrates the quirky and perhaps dysfunctional --yet realistic-- side of family life. In the picture, the grandma-figure is desperately trying to get the grandfather's attention but he appears annoyed, all the while the little boy is obliviously playing in his mashed potatoes. I think this image expresses the intricacies of family relationships better than any highly manicured, and boring, shot of some airbrushed family. Quirks and flaws are real, and make stories, which is what family is all about.
Cat
The most important family member, of any family, and especially mine. Paws down.
The Slaughter House
I have been a committed vegetarian for the past six years , and before that I tried to limit my intake and use of animal products. I have committed to this lifestyle because I do not approve of the meat industry's cruelty to animals. Additionally, I do not support the exhaustion of our world's natural resources through the manufacturing and distribution of meat products. While I believe each person has the right to their own choice whether or not to eat meat, this slaughter house symbolizes why I think this decision should be an informed one.
Journey to Japan
There are so many aspects of this image I find important to my American Dream. This sublime, green scene is taken from a travel ad for Japan. First of all, I would love to travel beyond the United States someday, to Japan, France, Canada, Hawaii--I'm not picky! Also, I value the breathtaking beauty and peace of our world's natural landscapes. And, I crave the solitude in this scene, as the lone figure calmly crosses the bridge, which could stand for each individual's lonely journal through life. I hope I can trek through my own with the same grace.
Mickey Mouse Skeleton Picasso
I love to do creative things like draw, paint, write, and make collages! I hope as a teacher I can help others embrace their inner creativity, and never lose my own. I think creativity can manifest in other forms of self-expression too, such as athleticism, humor, and attitude! I feel a lot of times students don't view themselves as creative because it is a trait they've been taught in school to associate with colored pencils and glue sticks. In actuality, creativity is expressing who you are through whatever media best captures your personality.
Poets and Writers
I believe access to media and learning should be a basic human right. I love poems, books, and writing more than almost anything. I hope as a teacher I can help my students understand how important it is to continue learning and valuing knowledge throughout our lifetime. Why anyone would choose not to continue to grow and learn is beyond me, especially in America, where I feel we have limitless access to all the world's ideas and expressions.
Head in the Clouds
I hope I never lose my solitude and my imagination. I feel privileged that I have a lifestyle that allows for me to spend precious time alone each day to think, to write, to read, and to dream. The amount of time I can spend each day may change or decrease when I choose to begin a family, but I feel my solitude enriches my soul and is healthy for my mind and spirit.
Honey, I'm Home!
This comic shows two sloths, with one slowly inching its way to the other. In the final frame, the inching sloth says, "Honey, I'm home!" This comic represents the romantic aspect of my dream. I feel very fortunate to have found a person who "goes at my same pace." After all, what is the American Dream if it cannot be shared with those you love?
