Dreaming can take place in many different forms. Whether it is a dream you have while you're sleeping, a lucid dream, daydream or just something that you imagine or think about. Like how Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that everyone would walk hand in hand regardless of his or her race. John Lennon even expressed some of his dreams in his song “Imagine”.

It just so happens that the dreams of MLK, John Lennon and many others inspired me to have dreams of my own.

Often, I dream about world peace. No more war, division between the rich or the poor, people of different ethnicities or cultural backgrounds or people being attacked because of their beliefs, gender or race. I believe that everyone should be treated with love, respect, and dignity.

Despite our physical differences, we all bleed red. We are all people that have thoughts, feelings and a soul. It is our differences that make each of us beautiful and unique in our own special way. I like to think that we are all gems. Gems show beauty in many different ways and some are extremely rare to find.

I dream of a safer world for our children--where they can play and let their spirit run freely. Where they can enjoy the company of their beloved friends without feeling threatened.

In 2012, the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School took place. I remember hearing about it when I was in 10th grade. I was sitting in my Business Fundamentals class and seeing “20 Children and 6 Educators shot in Connecticut School”.

My heart sank.

I was overcome with disbelief and heartbreak. (Not to mention the bombing attacks that took place in Syria.) Many children were killed or were left behind without their families.

I always think about Omran Daqneesh, the little boy whose picture swept the Internet by storm. No child should ever feel threatened or wake up in the morning worried about what will happen to them or to their families.

I dream of a world where people would look into each other’s eyes instead of looking into their phones. Where they would read more books instead of reading statuses. Where people don't need “likes” or reactions on their photos in order to feel beautiful. (Now, please don't misinterpret. I'm not trying to say phones should be completely banned, but it's nice to unplug from social media and enjoy the physical presence of your loved ones.)

Put your phone down from time to time and live for today. It's rather unfortunate when you miss out on something that could've changed your life simply because you were looking down at your phone.

With the start of the new year, all of these things are important to think about. Looking back on 2016, we heard so much about shootings, terrorist attacks, people taking their own lives and so on and so fourth.

We should all take part in making these dreams a reality. We should all show each other kindness instead of lashing out with hate. We should pay more attention to each other instead of social media. And lastly, let's all take part in being the change that we want to see happen.