In collaboration with The Post, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is sharing stories from U.S. citizens about what the American Dream means to them, leading up to July 4. One participant is Jada Pugliese, the principal and dean at Nazareth Academy Grade School in Philadelphia.
Having come from a background where neither of my parents finished high school, the American Dream holds significant meaning for me.
I’ve dealt with hearing loss since I was a child. I remember trying to keep pace in class, always feeling just a bit behind my classmates. Thanks to my teachers, I managed to stay informed, but it wasn’t easy—even with hearing aids. At that age, I didn’t quite grasp the complexities of navigating a hearing world with my condition.
As I matured, I began to open up about being deaf, starting in high school. I served as a camp counselor at a summer camp for the deaf, which led me to immerse myself in the disability community. It’s important to recognize that rather than labeling everyone as disabled, we should acknowledge the talents and abilities each individual brings.
I earned my degree in special education and have stepped away from that phase of my career. Early on, I truly cherished the time spent as a special education teacher. This experience not only laid a great foundation for my career in education but also allowed me to connect with students who needed support.
Every student deserves a champion—someone who truly cares for them and invests in developing a relationship.
Schools require teachers who are passionate about education and committed to every child. These educators understand that all students are capable of learning, regardless of their backgrounds.
My parents realized that sticking to blue-collar jobs wouldn’t enable them to reach their aspirations. However, they provided me with the opportunity for a better education, which they believed I deserved.
What really gets to me is that I’ve completed my journey and now serve as the principal at the school I once attended. Education, I believe, is the cornerstone of the American Dream.
The American Dream Video Project highlights these authentic stories that shed light on pathways to opportunity. This initiative, showcased by the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), is part of a celebration for America’s 250th anniversary. MCAAD serves as a new cultural hub in Washington, DC, featuring interactive exhibitions and narratives about achieving the American Dream.
