The American Dream...According to Me

My American Dream


“Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!” -Friedrich Nietzsche

No, I am not living the American Dream (AD) according to the stereotype: married, two children, nice house, white picket fence, 2 vehicles and a dog. Honestly, to me, the AD is more in attitude. It is about being joyous in everything that you do. When I am asked if I am living the AD, I have no doubt that I am. Why? Because I am where I know I am supposed to be. Yes, I know someday I will get married and have kids, but I know that time is not now, so I am living my AD. Yes, I know someday I will be graduated from college, but for now I am a Student, so I am living my AD. Yes, someday I will maybe own my own business, but for now I will continue to be a consumer, so I am living my AD.


I appreciate the German Mr. Nietzsche’s quote very much. We all strive for adventure. We like it when things go awry, and it is up to us to fix it. We like to think of life, and everyday tasks, as adventures. It is built into our DNA as human beings and I am proud to admit that living my American Dream is a grand adventure that I live every day. Part of my AD is to not hold any regrets. To confront things with people as soon as issues come up so that bitterness and resentment does not build up. To love people and to live with others peacefully, as far as it depends on you. My American Dream is up to me and God. Others will come into my life and impact me greatly. Your American Dream is up to you, with impact from people who come into your life.


I have objectives in my life and am strongly self motivated. I will always keep striving for them, because that is part of the Grand Adventure. I can do anything! And guess what? So can you. “Be the change you want to see in the world”-Gandhi.


Yes…I am content. And that is my American Dream.

Hola, my name is Laurel May Henderson. I am currently a business major Student at the College of the Sequoias. Now, growing up, I was never a little girl who dreamt of becoming a “Business Woman”. I am interested in this now, however, in pursuit of opening a bakery. I want to do this with my Sister, Lacey. We have always loved baking and cooking and I learned so much of what I know from my Mom. I am going to transfer to Fresno State in Spring 2011.

I am in love with the mountains and any of God’s raw creation. It sparks something in me and I constantly can’t wait to “get back”. This is referring to getting back to the mountains. I believe there is something in all of us that wants to get back, whether we know it or not.

I love adventures. Adventures could consist of a road trip, a power outage, running out of gasoline, spending time with good friends, babysitting your nephew and/or nieces, getting on an airplane, your class being cancelled, etc. Life consists of adventures.

I am an artist, but I think that everyone is such. It is my opinion that every one of us holds artistic potential even though you are probably saying “I can draw stick figures!” or “I am not creative”. I believe that we were made in God’s Image, and He is, obviously, the Ultimate Artist, so we must carry this potential as well. But it gets buried. Buried in running around everyone and trying to do everything without stopping to smell the roses. I do this too.

I love my family and hold them in high esteem. I am very happy to have such a family and thank God that He gave me the ones I have.

I am very excited to take my first online class and love school in general. We take our country for granted and are lucky to have the opportunity to learn so much and to be a part in such a grand adventure. Look forward to meeting everyone!

~Laurel May~