Educators have a unique opportunity to achieve the American Dream by enabling their students to find success, according to Meghan LeFevers, principal of Warlick Academy, a public alternative school in Gastonia, North Carolina.
LeFevers, whose school serves students who may face difficulties in traditional educational settings, believes the American Dream is fundamentally about the ability of individuals to find success, irrespective of their background, labels, or disabilities. She noted that in some countries, children with disabilities are not afforded the chance to attend school, highlighting the preciousness of educational opportunities available in the United States.
"Every day I have the opportunity to go into that school environment and say [to the staff], ‘I believe that you can do this, and we’re going to do this together,'" LeFevers stated. "It’s not going to be fun every day and it’s not going to be easy by no means. But don’t give up on them even when the days are hard."
She asserts that success is defined differently for each person, acknowledging that starting points vary. "Everybody’s starting line is different, but the ending line is there," LeFevers explained. "It may take you much longer to get there, you may have to take a different path, you may have to take a break [or] refuel. But we can all get to the end, and that’s the true success."
LeFevers underscored the responsibility of educators to help every child recognize their potential to reach their own definition of success. She pointed out that teachers and staff possess the daily opportunity to foster this dream within the school environment. This requires creativity and adaptability, as the needs of students and the responsibilities of schools have evolved significantly over time.
"We have a lot of work to do as far as how we are making things accessible to everyone. [But] we have that opportunity," she added, emphasizing the ongoing effort required to meet changing educational goals and ensure accessibility.
LeFevers' perspective is featured as part of The Post's collaboration with the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, which showcases real stories illustrating pathways to opportunity. This series is part of the Center’s commemoration of America's 250th anniversary. The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, located in Washington, D.C., offers interactive exhibits and narratives about achieving the American Dream.