Until July 4, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is showcasing stories from U.S. citizens about what the 2026 American Dream represents for them. Today, we’ve got a story from Rubilinda Zikafoos, who is the principal at Ola Elementary School in Florida.
Her parents were migrant farm workers. Interestingly, her mother had only six months of kindergarten education, while her father had just a second-grade education. They spent much of their lives moving from place to place, following agricultural work.
One memory stands out for her—coming home with her report card. She vividly recalls running up to the balcony where her mother was, excited to show her the card, even though it was upside down. Her mother exclaimed, “Mi Hee Ja, good job, good job, mui bien, mui bien,” with pride, despite not being able to see it correctly.
She remembers a friend, Sofia, questioning how her mother could read it. That moment was tough; her mother appeared crushed and ended up crying, feeling embarrassed.
On that balcony, Rubilinda made a promise to her mother: she would become a teacher and teach her how to read.
Reflecting on the American dream, Rubilinda explains it for her means achieving a point in life where she can make her own choices and pursue her dreams. It’s a sense of ownership that she believes no one can strip away from her.
She emphasizes the importance of becoming independent enough to overcome obstacles, realize her aspirations of being a teacher, raising her children, and providing for her family as a single mother. That’s what the dream truly meant for her.
The American Dream Video Project shares authentic narratives that highlight paths to opportunity. This series, part of the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, showcases interactive exhibits and stories related to realizing the American dream. For more details, visit: mcaad.org.
