What Does the American Dream Mean to You?

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch Readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

It’s one of the most cliché phrases that comes to mind when defining US citizenship, but it’s undeniably one of the most enduring cornerstones of living in America.

The illusion, or reality, of the “American Dream” has persisted for centuries since our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence over 200 years ago.

Unlike a majority of the world, the United States of America offers unbridled freedom of speech, religion and the pursuit of happiness. We have the ability to dream as big as our imaginations will let us, and even better, fight for those dreams until we achieve them.

We’ve read the uplifting, inspirational stories. Patch blogger Georgia Jack talked about to Stanford University thanks to the help of two Mexican immigrant families that helped him avoid foster homes. Rose Tran, owner of the new Sakura Teppanyaki & Sushi, was able to after a long career in medicine. College-bound is the first in her family to pursue higher education, with several scholarships in tow.

But what about the stories that aren’t told? In this recession, many people have had to shelve retirement plans just to pay the mortgages on their home or send their third child to college. Those who were so eager to attend college can now only find work at a local retail store.

The San Mateo County Historical Association’s annual Immigrants’ Day Festival to Redwood City every year, the majority whose family had immigrated at some point in time. What are their stories?

Patch is hoping to share your­ American Dream story in Redwood City. So tell us about it. What is it? Has it changed? And how do you know if you’ve achieved it?