Do You Dare to Dream?

In 11 days I’ll run my first marathon. I’m so the cliché, “If I can do it, anyone can.” Seriously. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this was possible, but with encouragement, belief, a plan and lots of support what seems like a dream is turning into reality. And, even more so it’s given me the confidence to open other doors that I would have never even knocked on.

That’s one of the reasons I’m such a big supporter of Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine because that’s exactly what they do. I’ve had the pleasure of covering the last 2 DDAs and wrote an article about it for Heart & Soul magazine. Developed in 2007 by Disney Parks, DDA continues to inspire teens to dream big and pursue their passion. Motivational speakers, Disney experts and celebrities participate in the program every year to share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success. The program brings together high school students from all walks of life and from across the country for interactive workshops and seminars, showing kids a world of possibilities. During hands-on experiences, participants explore a world of career options – from animation, through entrepreneurship, to zoology. I’ve witnessed so many of these wonderful young minds have “ah-ha” moments and I can tell you the difference it makes in their lives is priceless.

Dreamer Celia Campbell gets hands-on instruction from Award-winning chef and bestselling author Chef Jeff Henderson during Disney’s Dreamers Academy 2009. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

As a mom, and a dreamer, I just had to help spread the word about this life-changing opportunity. DDA is accepting nominations for U.S. high school students ages 13-19 at http://www.disneysdreamersacademy.com/ by October 31, 2010.

As I get ready to run and live out one of my dreams, I can’t help but think about all of the people who have helped me along the way; and I hope that I can help someone else dare to dream, too.

Winks & Smiles,