To the Horizon & Beyond

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow 
already know what you truly want to become." - Steve Jobs

This is one of my favorite quotes. I find it incredibly inspiring and it reminds me how chasing your dreams is the single most courageous thing a person can do. People seldom realize that dreams are actually attainable if you have the passion to pursue them and the patience to work towards them. It’s the hard work and persistence that tend to derail many dreams, but that’s also what pushes some people to be more driven to accomplish their dreams.

Recently when I  was reflecting upon my own dreams of getting a job on one of the coasts and traveling the world, I realized that the people you surround yourself with impact your dreams more than you would think. I am lucky to have supportive parents who encourage me to dream big and always push me to do better. My friend group is also understanding of my dreams and several of my close friends share very similar ambitions.

Family and friends definitely function as my major support system when it comes to pursuing my dreams, but the adults I have encountered in college have also had a great impact as well. My advisors have helped guide me on my academic journey, helping me realize where my true passions lie and assisting me in working towards the career I want to obtain one day. My boss has also shown me how believing in someone can literally transform them. I can’t stress enough how much Cindy, my boss at the Welcome Center where I work on campus, has trusted me and given me opportunities to better my skills as a leader and as a mentor. The abilities I have gained from my job are partly from the work I put in and partly from the guidance I receive to do even better.

Dreams are fragile and often get neglected because you lose faith in them. I can’t tell you how many times I have questioned my dreams and my ability to achieve them, but the support I have gotten from my family, friends, and advisors/boss have given the me the confidence to push on. Confidence, patience, hard work, passion, and determination are all  keys to fulfilling your dreams, but surrounding yourself with a positive and encouraging support system is also crucial.

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage 
to pursue them." -Walt Disney