Featured Photo: Civil Miller-Watkins asks UT Martin student what defines “The American Dream” on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Dreaming Out Loud: The American Dream Under Review student discussion. (Pacer Photo / Madison Perryman)

On Monday, Feb. 9th, the Evolving Narratives: Tennessee Initiative for Civic Engagement (formerly known as the Civil Rights Conference) kicked off an event titled Dreaming Out Loud: The American Dream Under Review. The student forum explored the attainment of the American Dream today and further examined America’s promises to its citizens.

Civil Miller Watkins, an educator working as an 8th-grade math teacher and a community leader who stepped into the political arena as a candidate for public office, led the discussion. Her platform focuses on kitchen-table issues including education, healthcare, economic opportunity and voting rights. She is an advocate for education, community engagement and living out one’s dreams. Miller-Watkins is a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she earned her bachelor’s degrees in sociology and social work and, most recently, received a master’s degree in education. She also serves as the CEO of CWTechknowledgy LLC, where she continues to foster growth and empowerment through technology and education.

To get the conversation started, students dove into defining the American Dream as a complex concept.

“The American Dream is a complex ideal shaped by history, personal experience, systemic challenges, community responsibility and ongoing conversations,” said Miller-Watkins when asked about the definition of the American Dream.

Students learned that understanding the American Dream goes beyond recognizing opportunities within America and instead requires a deeper understanding of what a dream truly is and how it can mean something different to everyone.

As the discussion deepened, students explored the three components that make up a dream: your story, which includes your background and identity; your experiences, including personal encounters throughout your life; and ultimately your dream, which centers on hopes and meaningful goals.

“I really enjoyed the event,” said Aniya Walker, a junior health and human performance major. “I learned that in order to truly have an American Dream, you must be actively okay with growing and changing.”

“It is important to have a mindset focused on positivity and to not let other people’s opinions affect you or the impact you make,” Walker said. 

One of the biggest topics covered during the event was community. Students came to a consensus that the campus lacks strong, genuine communities, especially those that reflect diverse perspectives, backgrounds and ideas. Through this discussion, students explored how opportunity is often unevenly distributed, with structural forces creating real obstacles that can affect the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Henri Giles, Ph.D., assistant professor of African American studies in the Department of History and Philosophy at UT Martin, provided a unique perspective, particularly for students who struggle to embrace the idea of the American Dream.

“I completely understand these feelings because the American Dream has changed so much and has meant different things across generations,” said Giles.

 “Take that feeling of discontentment and see how you can turn it around by thinking about what you can do to change the world, even if it’s just one good thing, to make a positive impact in the world or in someone else’s life,” she advised.

This event served as a turning point and an eye-opener for students, faculty and staff, highlighting changes that could be made on campus. From insightful conversations to thought-provoking questions, the event not only encouraged students to become the best version of themselves, but it also ignited a passion to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Thanks to the leadership of Civil Miller-Watkins, the Women of Excellence, the Men of Excellence and the students, faculty and staff who participated, it is clear that the future of UT Martin is on a path toward a better and brighter tomorrow.