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Dream big, and make those dreams reality

5 min read

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Aaron Miller received our 2019 Youth Advocate Ward and The Dreamers Co. received our 2019 Community Award for their outstanding work supporting young people. I was honored to speak at the Dreamers Youth Conference this year and was asked to respond to these questions from the conference.

Q.Is it OK to want to do too much? What do you do if you want to save the world but know you can’t do it all on your own?

Mary Jo’s response: Dream big. I don’t believe your dreams can be too much, especially when you’re young. Please let me explain. Dreams are the manifestation of hope, a search for a meaningful life, and your plan for a bright future. As such, they can’t be too much.

Dreams evolve as we do. The ups and downs of living may shift the way we pursue our dreams, but holding on to dreams can bring joy to life. Falling short of a big dream isn’t failure as much as learning. Dreams may shift and change, but dreaming big shows initiative and courage. A dream can inspire.

Saving the world is an interesting concept. As a child, I often shared my dreams with my papa. My father was a wise man with little formal education. His deep spirituality and kindness guided him. He told me to “bloom where I was planted” – to serve others in my community rather than seeking fame or fortune. With his guidance, I realized one “saves the world” in baby steps, by providing support locally. For me, my dream crystallized into educating young people. I became aware of the need for self-worth; I created curricula to target the unique needs of individual students. Each young person with whom I connect is worthy and matters. Adults cannot give power to young people, but they can mentor teens to find the power they already possess. For me, this is the world.

Major accomplishments do not happen in a vacuum. While you may not be able to achieve your dreams without support, seeking and connecting to supporters in collaboration are some of the best parts of bringing dreams to fruition.

Shoot for your dreams, find others who believe as you do, communicate your dreams and plan big. Your life is wide open; make your dreams a reality.

Q.What if your parents don’t believe in your dreams?

Mary Jo’s response: Our parents are the first people to influence us. Their support and acceptance can ease life’s journey and make following our dreams smoother. Ultimately, though, our dreams belong to us. In time, we all reach a point where we pursue our dreams without needing parental support.

Seek trusted adults who listen and hear you. Move forward with faith in yourself. In time, your parents may offer their acceptance. Reaching for adulthood may mean pursuing dreams without their support.

It’s possible a conversation with your parents would help open their minds to your dream and its rationale. Remember to respect them and have empathy for their concerns. Nearly two decades ago, a young person shared her angst because her parents didn’t support her dream of owning her own beauty salon. They preferred she go to college, but she disliked academics and loved using her hands to, as she told me, “make people feel good about themselves.” Her parents wanted the best for her and felt a college education was important for success. Today she owns a very busy and popular salon. Her parents support her choices and express pride in her accomplishments.

Be patient. It may take time for you to find parental support. Your dreams are still valid.

Peer educator response: Every generation needs to find their own way. Respect your parents, but don’t let them dissuade you from your dreams.

Q.What if you don’t know what your dream/path/calling is?

Mary Jo’s response: You’re probably in the majority. Adults often expect young people to know their life path early. In truth, finding your dream takes time. Your task as a young person is to experience life and educate yourself in many areas. In time, your path will sort itself out. Be patient with yourself. You don’t need to know at 16 what you’ll be doing at 40. Most people’s dreams change as they mature. That’s OK.

Peer educator response: Many adults want us to know how we’ll live our lives too early. It’s rare to know a life path at 18, but graduation signals a ton of questions like, “What will you do with your life?” Just live. Explore. You’ll figure it out. We all will.

Q.What if you don’t express your dream because you know no one will support you?

Mary Jo’s response: Have courage. Someone will support you. There’s an old saying I love, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” I interpret those words to mean education becomes real when a student is open to learning – that’s when the teacher connects. The same is true with your dream. Seek someone who will listen to your dream and make it happen.

Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email at podmj@healthyteens.com.

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