As another admissions season kicks off, the familiar rhetoric of “opportunity” floods the airwaves. But let’s be honest: for many, that opportunity feels more like a mirage than a reality. We need to move beyond the platitudes and have a real conversation about what opportunity truly means in America today.

The narrative often focuses on meritocracy and individual achievement, suggesting success is solely dependent on hard work and ambition. This ignores systemic inequalities woven into the fabric of our society: unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and resources, leaving certain communities perpetually disadvantaged.

Instead of simply celebrating individual success stories, let’s talk about the structures that create barriers and prevent true opportunity for all. We need to acknowledge the legacy of historical injustices and understand how they continue to shape current realities.

The conversation needs to shift towards creating a society where everyone has a fair shot at reaching their full potential. This requires systemic change: investing in equitable education, tackling systemic racism, and ensuring access to affordable healthcare and housing.

Focusing on individual responsibility while ignoring these systemic issues only perpetuates the myth of equal opportunity. It’s time to be honest about the challenges and actively work towards dismantling the barriers that stand in the way of a truly equitable future. This admissions season, let’s use our words not to celebrate the myth of opportunity, but to build a reality where it is a tangible possibility for all.