Fall 2025 Winner of The Crowder Law Firm Scholarship

Katie Hall

Katie’s perception of the American Dream has been vastly shaped by her grandparents' journey of immigrating to the United States. They have instilled in her the values of community, hard work, and generosity. Congratulations, Katie!

Read her essay:

The American Dream is the belief that anyone can become anything or achieve any goal in the United States, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic level, religion, gender, or other limitation. Although the “American Dream” was not specifically named in our Constitution or Bill of Rights, the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are themes which lay the foundation by establishing a government that allows specific freedoms and opportunities which set America apart in the world. Because of the freedoms and opportunities which are offered to citizens, the United States has been built by immigrants seeking the American Dream. Whenever I think of the meaning of the American Dream, I immediately think of my grandparents.

Walter and Martha Lange were part of what has become known as the “greatest generation that ever lived”. Growing up in World War II Europe gave them challenging life experiences which created grit and determination within them both. Experiences of starvation, hiding from air raids, living in concentration camps, and being refugees are things which most Americans today cannot relate to, but were useful in creating the grit, determination, and strength that my grandparents needed to be successful in future years. Following World War II, my grandmother and grandfather left war - torn Europe on an immigration ship. They had barely enough money to cover their tickets, did not speak English, spent ten days on stormy seas, and yet were beyond excited for the opportunities awaiting them in America. When they arrived, life proved to be very challenging. My grandfather learned English on his own by reading every English newspaper he could find. My grandmother found work cleaning houses, and my grandfather worked in a service station. One principle that my grandfather lived by was, “Take care of the pennies; the dollars take care of themselves.” Through hard work, determination, and frugal spending, my grandparents were able to purchase a car, own a home, and become part of a connected community.

One important aspect of the American dream that is often neglected in modern times involves giving back. I admire that my grandparents always demonstrated the virtues of generosity and service. They came to America with virtually nothing. Through their grit and hard work, they were able to create a life for themselves, give generously to others, and invest in their community all while creating a beautiful legacy for their family. One story that stands out to me is that just a few years after immigrating to the United States, my grandfather was able to visit his mother in Europe. Although his family was still living very frugally in the US, he was able to set aside a little money to surprise his mother with a much - needed washing machine. Another impactful way my grandfather has given back and created a legacy is through education opportunities. As soon as I was born, my grandfather opened and invested a small amount of money in an educational savings account for me. He added a little money each Christmas and b irthday until my 18 th birthday. This investment has helped pay for part of my college. My grandparents were passionate about making sure their children and grandchildren would be able to have the education that they did not have access to. My grandfather often talked about wanting to leave America better than he found it. My grandparents were always willing to give and serve in various ways – they were active in their church, volunteered in a nursing home, always looked for ways to help their neighbors, and graciously opened their home to guests willing to serve a meal anytime.

The ways in which my grandparents invested in their community, their church, and in creating a legacy for their family was a central part of the original American dream. America was founded on the idea of “community”. I love the stories of the first Thanks giving and early colonial times where the sense of community was a strong part of our country’s foundation. Later as pioneers began moving west, this same generous spirit and willingness to give back was evident among those seeking the American Dream. It s eems as if the willingness to give to and serve those in need was a way for those seeking the American Dream to say “thank you” for the opportunity that was provided to them by this great nation.

Although the American Dream is still attainable today, our country has drastically changed. Is the dream still alive? Perhaps, but it looks quite different. When I consider my grandparents’ story, I do not see that same spirit among many people today. Although immigrants still come to the United States in search of the American Dream, I do not see that many folks are willing to give generously, serve their communities, nor create legacies for their families. I believe that this is not just true for immigrants, but for American society as a whole. I believe our American culture has shifted to be self-sufficient with a focus on entitlement, instant gratification and self-care all while living beyond our means.

I am grateful for the example of my grandparents and the legacy they worked sacrificially to create. I am hopeful that some of their amazing grit, determination, and work ethic have been passed down to me so I can do my part in keeping the American Dream alive. With great freedom comes great responsibility; I hope I never take the gift of the American Dream for granted and that I remember to live out a lifestyle of service and generosity. Part of my motivation for seeking a career in law enforcement is so that I can contribute to my community. I believe my grandparents would be proud to know that their lives and legacy have impacted future generations in keeping the spirit of the American Dream alive.

Photo of me with my grandparents in 2011

Port Aransas, Texas