Dream Big

One of the most amazing blessings that we have as human beings is our ability to dream. Dreams allow us to enter a world of imagination in which we can be the architects of our very own futures. We envision ourselves playing soccer at the World Cup, finding the cure for a disease once previously thought incurable, or taking the first steps on an unexplored planet. Dreams transcend all of humanity.

Children are the best dreamers. They are able to see past the limits many adults have imposed on themselves and remind us of the limitless possibilities of this world. What is more, every child should be given the chance to achieve his or her dreams. Every child should have the opportunity to become a doctor, to sing the national anthem on Opening Day, or to find his or her family after separation. In reality though, not every child is given an opportunity; in fact, many aren’t.

Many of you reading this have been given opportunities to achieve your dreams. The dreams you have today are likely different from the ones you had as a child, though part of your heart probably still hangs on to the threads of hope that your childhood dreams may still come true. But to actually achieve your dreams is a stark challenge. It’s almost always a constant, uphill battle, as you swim against a current of people and events that try to set you back. But with support, tenacity, and courage, you eventually pull through.

Can you then imagine how difficult it is to achieve your dreams as an orphan in a developing country? Spending two weeks at L’Esperance Children’s Aid orphanage in Rwanda was certainly, among other things, a humbling experience for me. I began to come to grips with what it means to be an orphan – to grow up without parents or family of any sort. I saw kids who never had a mother’s arms for shelter or a father to play soccer with. But I also saw kids with hopes and dreams. I saw future doctors, future soccer stars, and future musicians. Though small, these orphans have a chance to become someone and to do something in their lives. Knowing that our project would directly support their dreams meant more to me than I could have imagined.

If I could have one wish, I would ask for every child to be given the chance to achieve his or her dreams. So if you are a kid, you know a kid, or have a kid, just remember this; dream big. Don’t let others tell you no. Don’t let society hold you back. Dream big and follow your dreams because you never know how lucky you are. Hold on to and cherish those dreams as you would your most prized possession. Then one day when you’re older, you’ll recognize just what an accomplishment it is to achieve your dreams. And if you’re lucky, you may help another child achieve his or her dreams. That’s my dream. What’s yours?