Chasing the American Dream is a heartfelt endeavor aimed at restoring hope and optimism in our turbulent world. This project unfolds through a series of photographs and interviews, portraying the tenacious spirit of hardworking Americans as they follow their passions and dreams. It serves as an inspirational narrative, showcasing that with dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment, all aspirations are within reach. Moreover, it underscores the remarkable resilience inherent in humanity, even in the face of the profound challenges of recent years.
The global pandemic prompted deep introspection, forcing us to reevaluate our lives and our place in the world. It left an indelible mark, emphasizing the significance of our existence. In the wake of personal losses, including friends succumbing to Covid-19 and its repercussions, as well as the tragedy of suicide, I refused to surrender to despondency but to channel my energy into optimism and positivity. The question arose: what gives some people the courage and motivation to rise again after a fall, while others remain in despair?
Leveraging my expertise in photography and film, I embarked on a journey to document individuals actively pursuing their passion and life’s purpose. Whether it’s the joy brought by crafting gelato or the beauty expressed through dance, these individuals have found their place in the world and are making it a better one.
Ultimately, “Chasing the American Dream” seeks to uncover the answer to a fundamental question: Is a sense of purpose in life intrinsic to happiness? While the answer is complex, the stories shared in this project offer profound insights and inspire us to reflect on our own paths.
Shown here is Ms. Cassidy Cocke sharing with the world her Words of Advice:
"If it makes you happy, continue to do it. Something that I always really appreciated with my parents is that they were very supportive of me through the whole journey. But probably like yearly, they would check in and be like hey, ballet is hard, your foot hurts right now, does it still make you happy? like is it still worth doing it? And I really appreciated that because it never felt like they were forcing this career on me. It was, if it makes you happy, then do it. If you're passionate about it, do it. I think that's really important in pursuing any kind of dream is that your happiness and passion for it comes first. So if it's something that you're passionate about, and that you want to do, you can achieve it."
