Dreams

As a teenager I had big dreams… dreams to travel the world, to get married, have kids, and have a good stable job. I knew from the get-go that I would provide for my family. I would be a good role model for the younger generations. If I went to college I was sure more youth would follow in my footprints.

Coming from a poor family has made me have to work harder to obtain my dreams. I had to rely on public assistance at times when I was attending UAA and had my two older kids. I was literally living off of scholarships and food stamps at the time. I remember taking the public bus everywhere since I didn’t have the money to buy a car---not even a used car. In the winter, it was so cold waiting for at least half an hour with two babies under two-years-old. One of them was sure to be crying in the stroller while we waited and waited for delayed buses.

Eventually I was able to save up for a used car off of Craigslist and life was easier. I saved time by not waiting on public transportation and was able to drop my kids off at a babysitter’s rather than bringing them to campus and letting them wait in the hallway with my ex until my class got out.

Now I look at myself and ask “Am I where I planned to be years ago?” Sometimes I think things could be better, but for the most part I have achieved my goals. I received two college degrees, have a good paying job with benefits, have a healthy family, and have a roof over my head. I still want to travel the world, but that can wait for a few years. I’m still fairly young.

Having dreams is important because it gives you a drive for life. If gives you hope for your future. I’m a dreamer. Always will be. Period.