Dreams with Training Wheels

Prelude:

Part of my journey as an Academy student entails a comprehensive reflection of my time with Live Different. Appropriately named, the Final Assignment requires me to consider which events have impacted the most for each semester, how the “leader for the day” of tour and Mexico changed my perspective, a character trait I’ve discovered in myself, and three goals for the upcoming year. This blog series will serve to address these questions and more; I hope you enjoy!

I’ve heard that dreams come in a size too big so that we can grow into them. After the whirlwind of this year, I couldn’t agree with that more. Who would have thought that my impulsive decision to put life at home on hold and to join the Academy would lead me to where I am now? I feel like I’m finally growing into dreams I never knew I had.

This year has been an incredible journey. I spent four months touring Canada and four months in Mexico. I’ve experienced more new things this year than I have in my entire lifetime thus far. I will cherish the memories I have made for the rest of my life.

I am eternally grateful for Live Different. The Academy program was the wakeup call I had no idea I even needed. It has helped me find a greater purpose in my life and it has guided me to the growth I needed to become who I am today. I’m ready to face my life with the courage, compassion, and grace I have developed during my time here.

Time has never felt so relative. While it feels like I’ve been in Mexico for forever, it also seems like I was just on tour. It is as if I’m standing still as the past, present, and future circle around me. And let me tell you, they are all beautiful.

From the past I see the peaceful and poetic early morning bus rides, the scenery of unimaginable beauty, and the stoic mountains that both confirm and deny our greatness. I see some of the truest expressions of humanity and compassion. After all, what could be more human than the exposing of the soul? My team and I connected with students at a real level. We told our honest stories and gave them meaning and courage in their struggles. We gave those ready to give up another reason to push forward.

In a way I received just as much as those students did. Serving others is truly therapeutic. You begin to see your potential as you change the lives of those around you day after day. You begin to realize just how easy it is to make a difference. Plans, dreams, and ideas began to form.

I also learnt how to better communicate with others and how to speak publicly. I already have some big plans to keep spreading the lessons I have learned this year. I just don’t want this experience to end in June. One of the reasons why I joined the Academy was because I wanted the inspiration and motivation I left after Hero Holidays to stay with me for the rest of my life. And I think it will. Tour gave me the skills and Mexico the drive to propel me into this way of living.

From the present I see the strong, kind, and vibrant people of Mexico. Their affection and generosity has touched my heart and inspired me to give more with my life. When in doubt, I ask myself “what would a Mexican do?” They have reaffirmed my belief that people and relationships come far before stuff and money. They have showed me that no matter how much or little you possess you always have something to give: love.

Between the Hero Holidays and my own adventures I have had so many opportunities to hear wisdom from Mexican families. Regardless of who I asked, I received three pieces of advice: to study as hard as I can, to appreciate everything I have, and to be good to my family. This last piece of advice was particularly significant for me. I wish the people I spoke to knew how much of an impact they have had on me.

In the future I see big plans and an immense potential. It’s exciting and terrifying at the same time. I want to keep up my active participation in bettering the world around me. I’m keeping up my momentum with a fundraiser and some talks with students, and I plan on volunteering as often as my schedule allows. I am going to focus more on the relationships in my life. I have a lot of catching up to do with my family and friends back home, keeping up with my new friends, and learning to do with my future friends I will meet this year. Lastly, I am going to put every effort to stay afloat in my sea of change. I can foresee a culture shock between this current life and home life, and then there is moving out and starting university life. I’ll have to take time to take care of myself so I can serve others.

In a way I haven’t really changed. I have always the potential within. Live Different simply provided me with an environment where I could explore my potential. It’s more than just a leadership program; it’s a meeting point of extraordinary people. You can’t help being inspired to dream big.

So what are your dreams? The only person who has a shot of making them come true is you, so what are you doing to move towards them? Extraordinary things are simply the combination of choices, so make your choices count.

Lots of love,

Meagan <3