Education is the cornerstone of opportunity in America. It builds pathways, changes lives, and holds the promise of a brighter future. For my family, it has been the bridge that carried us from the American Nightmare to the American Dream. But make no mistake: that bridge is under attack. Public education--the very foundation of opportunity in this country--is being dismantled before our eyes. Harmful policies, political agendas, and deliberate disinvestment threaten to sever that lifeline for millions of students. This is not just a political fight; it is deeply personal. As the descendant of both those who came to this country chasing the promise of Ellis Island and those who were brought here in the chains of slavery, I carry the weight of both the American Dream and the American Nightmare. Education has been central to my family's story, helping us overcome systemic barriers, reclaim our voices, and demand our place in the nation's progress. Now, as an attorney, an educator, and an advocate for education policy, I see the battles we face today as critical moments in the fight for justice and equity. Public education is not just a pathway to success; it is the backbone of democracy, the safeguard of opportunity, and the key to realizing our collective potential.