In high school we are taught that hard work and education pays off. Unless you are the heir to a substantial fortune or are sitting on a trust fund, you will inevitably reform to mediocracy. For most, the American Dream involves success wrapped elegantly around riches. But at what cost can we finally experience such content?

I define security as safety in employment. Note that I refuse to label it as “a good job,” as most of us are merely tolerating the agonizing routine to financially support our expenses. We are engaged in a society where rules threaten our pursuit of happiness, and permit us to follow the norm. Rarely does an individual have the chance to pursue their actual dreams. Instead, we find comfort in security. Though I dread the commitment I offer my employer to trade my time for monetary value, I tolerate such to provide food on my table, and a roof over my head.

Beginning in the elementary school system, it is instilled within us to prepare for success by performing exceptionally in school and at work. Without specific qualities such as commitment and dedication, we are unlikely to perform at this level. Without focusing on responsibilities that society deems priorities for success, we may never achieve desired expectations. Instead, we act as the children we are, participate in other activities, and share social interaction with friends, etc. For most, high school is only taken seriously enough to be accepted into college. In college, we simply strive for comfortable grade results in order to obtain a degree. After sixteen years of academics, society deems us fit for employment with a more satisfying salary. Depending on the amount of monetary value involved in purchasing your degree, you may even live luxuriously. Is this security?

Over-achievers…Under-achievers……..Life does not revolve around fate and karma. Either you prepare yourself with rigorous study sessions, part-time employment as you study more (this time at a university), accumulate student loans that will eventually need to be paid off, graduate, find steady employment; or….rate as a first class under-achiever. Though I indulge repetition from 8-5 each day, earn enough to pay the bills and provide simple entertainment, and am honored to have served my country; I fear I may never experience the American Dream. Security among society…..or simply, the result of an under-achiever.