Editor’s note: This editorial was the winning entry in the annual StraightTalk student op-ed contest organized by The Riley Institute at Furman University. The topic for entries was “the attainability of the American Dream.” A member of the Greenville Journal staff was on the committee that reviewed the entries.

A single-family home surrounded by a white picket fence. Two young children playing on a swing set. A golden retriever lying lazily in the grass. For many, this idyllic picture represents the American dream — no matter who you are, if you work hard enough, you can achieve a lifestyle of success, security and prosperity.

Unfortunately, Gen Zers are no strangers to the economic barriers to achieving this idealized version of the American dream. According to the U.S. Bureau of Econo

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