What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-- And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
- Langston Hughes


What actually happens to our dreams? Recently I found a book I made when I was 10 or so. I dreamt of becomming an actress and a singer, living in the country with lots of pets, and having a daughter with curly hair. What happened to those dreams? To tell you the truth, I'd still love to sing, but living in the country and having children are out. Throughout my life I have wanted so many things for myself, but will they really come true? We are told as children that we can be whatever we want to be. Ask any 2nd grade class and it will be full of the realistic: nurses, teachers, firemen, and the like, and the more improbable: presidents, astronauts, and movie stars. What sets most of us apart from the actual presidents and astronauts. It's obviously not intelligence; our current president has proved that.

Are we taught to reach for unattainable dreams? Does this set us up for disappointment later in life or are most people really happy working desk jobs, raising kids, and driving mini vans? Sometimes I wish that's what I wanted. My sister has always wanted to have a family and be a mother. Her dream seems a lot more probable than mine. I've had my sights on New York since I first visited in 8th grade. I want to live there, play in Maria Schneider's band, lead a band, make records. . . Will those dreams come true? I hope so. I guess I just have to figure out how to make those dreams reality. How did Keith O'Quinn, Rock Ciccarone, Larry Farrell, and George Flynn get their jobs? What can I do to get there too? I think I'll ask them.

What dreams do you have? Do you really think they're going to come true, or are you willing to make a lot of compromises? I'm curious to know what is important to other people. Is it family, careers, or places to live? I'm not surprised that I've raised more questions than I've answered. Hopefully this next year will help me shed some light on this. Maybe I'll come up will some answers, but it's more likely that I'll just have more questions.