Here is a passage from
one of my more frivolous reads:
“’Yes, but I’ve found
most people harbor dreams of a more exciting vocation. The one that’s too crazy to ever actually
do. The one that’s too hard, too much
work, or just too ‘out there.’ The gas station attendant who dreams of being a
rock star. The accountant who wishes she’d
taken art history classes instead of statistics. People put their dreams off, either because
they think it’s impossible, or because they’ll do it ‘someday.’’”
Don’t wait to make time
for your dreams. Just do it. Follow your heart, and it’ll never lead you
astray.
First and foremost, never
undervalue what you have to offer. Too
many times I’ve heard people say that they don’t have the training, or the
skills to be able to follow their dreams.
You have the passion, and that passion will evolve into the technical
ability that will allow you to do the work that fulfills your desires.
Did I think I could teach
literacy to children with special needs? Never. But my dream was to serve
abroad while learning about the realities of development. By golly, I’m going to try my best to teach
these kids that the gibberish symbols they see every second of their lives mean
something.
Did I ever think that I
would have the opportunity to teach dance and choreograph to my heart’s
content? No. No. No. and No. I was never
the dancer. I love dancing, but I don’t
have the years of ballet that coincide with adult dance enthusiasts. However, living in Grenada and continuing my
exploration in movement has helped me realize that dance will always be a part
of my life.
I don’t mean to say that
my life is an example of perfection.
Rather, I want to encourage you, especially you younger siblings, to
reach for your dreams. Even though they
may seem impossible, or wrong, just go for it.
It’s scary. Following my dreams into international development
is one of the scariest things I’ve done, but every moment of my life is so
extremely satisfying that I will never settle for some half-life that doesn’t engage
my passion and curiosity. I’m not
thinking about what I wish I would have done, but am expanding my goals and
reaching out to the seemingly impractical to see what I can make of my life.
No one is ordinary, so don’t force yourself to
fit in. Dream big, and live large because if you have the will you will find the way.
Arushi, Mihir, Aarya:
This one’s for you. Don't be afraid to defy gravity. (See you 10 days!)
