As a little girl, my uncle would always tell me to fight for my dream because a tragic accident got in the way of his. He told me I can do anything. I can succeed at anything. Unfortunately, I often lose sight of my dream and the advice he gave me. My passion and dream took shape through volunteering with the children at my church. Many of them happen to be foster children and from a young age, I had a special place in my heart for them due to their stories of a turbulent life. I want to make their lives better: that’s my dream. But the school work and hard work that it takes to fulfill that dream often overshadow my goal. It places a dreaded veil over it. I have this to do, I have that to do, I have to go to graduate school, and I need to be able to afford life.
An old friend of mine, Jack Cassidy, is on "The Voice." He’s been posting all over social media about his blind audition. I couldn’t be more excited for him because for as long as I’ve known him (since we were 11), singing has always been a part of who he is. Music is his passion. I am thrilled that I can watch along with millions of viewers to see his journey on The Voice and to what I hope is stardom.
I was in awe watching his blind audition, but most importantly, I was humbled by it. I couldn’t believe that his dream is coming true, finally. He is getting a once in a lifetime opportunity to share his voice with the world. He is fighting for his dream the way my uncle told me to fight for mine. He didn’t lose sight of his dream, he’s keeping it alive and making it more attainable.
Why am I humbled? Jack unknowingly reminded me that I need to not lose sight of my dream. I need to fight for it and if I do, then I will attain it. Instead of going to college, he’s been traveling the world spreading the gospel and singing to children in underprivileged countries: another one of his dreams. When we were 15, he told me he wanted to be a missionary and now it's a reality. His dreams don't involve college and that’s okay. Maybe your dreams involve college or maybe it doesn't. Hard work and opportunities for your passions takes all different forms. Mine requires going to college, and with that being said, I can’t let the grind of school work and the struggles with relationships keep me from mine.
Don't let external forces keep you from your dreams either. Often, it's hard to see through all the work to be done to accomplish your dreams or the obstacles to overcome to reach success. Whether the people around you support you or not or if your work load is as tall as a mountain, your dreams is worth fighting to make happen. Attaining your dreams is hard work, no doubt about it, but don't forget it. Be like Jack: fight and take hold of the opportunities presented to you. Fight for your dreams.
