Kids with a Million Dreams

If you dare to dream, anything is possible. No matter how improbable and unattainable your life objectives may seem, pursue them, put effort into achieving them, and never give up. Any dream is possible if you believe in your abilities and yourself.

If you believe a dream is impossible, try removing the walls and ceilings to see what happens.

Last month, in July, the graduation at school happened. Around the corner, you can sense conflicting feelings. Some people, especially parents, are happy their children have reached another milestone. After so many years of studying, students, in particular, can finally enjoy the results of their labor. However, they also experience happy and sad emotions as the time has come for them to advance to the next level and say goodbye to their friends, classmates, and favorite teachers.

As a teacher, I'm delighted to see that despite their challenges and the adverse effects of poverty on their life, these Indigenous people still pursue their studies.

I'm sad because these kids have been a part of me for years, and I will miss them. And the memories we have created together are invaluable.

In addition to the fact that some of our Aeta students will soon advance to higher grades and graduate, I am proud of them because they make the seemingly impossible feasible and ultimately tear down any barriers that may have previously stood in their way.

Because of living in a remote area, they feel unsuited to interact with others. They lack confidence and self-esteem because they are filled with insecurities. They always believe they are lesser than others and that obtaining an education is out of the picture.

Teachers can touch students' hearts and demonstrate that they can succeed in anything they set their minds to as long as they have faith in their goals.

Children can do amazing things when they learn to dream and think their ambitions and goals are attainable. Don't place a cap or limitations on your dreams. You may focus on any desire, whether outrageous, extravagant, or far-fetched. Always believe that achieving a goal is possible.

These kids are living with a million dreams, and here are things they mentioned as I asked them, "What is your dream?"

I want to become a teacher!

It's beautiful to hear kids desire to educate as we do. They have the bravery to make the younger members of their tribe understand the value of education in people's lives and are inspired to teach and touch someone's heart.

I want to become a soldier or a policeman!

Some people aspire to join the military or become police officers to defend themselves against societal injustice and misuse of their rights. They wish to keep everyone safe and feel at home in their environment.

I want to become a doctor!

Some of our indigenous people dream of becoming doctors to aid their entire tribe and ensure they receive the best care possible when they are ill because most of them lack access to many things, particularly health.

I want to be rich!

All of our Aeta students struggle with poverty. And that becomes the primary justification for their inability to achieve their educational and dream goals. They frequently need more food and supplies. Because they have to move and hunt for food in other spots on the mountain, which I understand entirely, our students are absent from class more frequently.

These kids have a million dreams. Despite residing in remote places, they have comprehensive objectives and a sincere desire to transform their life. They may have a long way to go before realizing their goals, but I am confident they can do so if they have faith in their ability to succeed and trust that all will work out for the best.

I am excited and hopeful that they will return to us someday and say, "Ma'am, Sir, I made it!"

So to our kids with a million dreams;

Keep your goals in mind and heart, and never forget that they are all worthwhile goals to work toward. Everything positive you can imagine for yourself, give it to yourself. Dream big, and then work to make those goals come true!