A house with a white picket fence, freshly cut lawn, two kids, and a dog: the American Dream.

It was a national ethos of the 1950s that encouraged Americans to reach for their dreams, but today’s economy and changing times have left people wondering whether or not the American Dream is still alive.

“It is the ability to come from a nation where you are held down and go to a place where there are no rules on religion or how you live,” said senior Austin Reed. “That is the American Dream.”

“It’s not alive anymore because the dream differs from person to person,” said sophomore Bryan Perry. “ Not everyone has the same lifestyle or income so they’re going to want different things.”

The days of white picket fences and freshly cut lawns are over and replaced by overgrown hedges and foreclosure signs.

“The economy has gotten so bad that people just find no use in trying,” said junior Jessica Stephenson. “They don’t want to work hard for what they want or deserve so the American dream is dead.”

While a number of students believe the American Dream is dead, others remain optimistic about the future.

“It’s still alive because everyone has the opportunity to become what they want still,” said senior Kenneth White. “And that’s what the American Dream is, the people’s ability to control their own destiny.”

The American Dream has given hope to citizens for decades, but today’s students have mixed feelings.

“I think the American Dream is still alive,”said senior Courtney Conway. “It’s just different from what it used to be due to our priorities changing with the times. But I would say it’s being able to do what you like to do, in other words being free.