An Editorial Note
Pursuing My Dream Throughout my teen years, and now adulthood, I have pursued my dream of a better future by setting certain goals that I felt I had to accomplish in a specific order. While many of my friends were out partying, dating, getting married and raising families, I was studying for school, working for my various employers, and sharpening my talents and skills for improving my life. I was raised with the mindset that I should prepare for the future while living each day as if it might be my last. I decided that my life’s dream would be one that could be achieved even if it should only be fully realized once I reached my heavenly home. Now some of you may ask, “What is that dream that you pursue with such purpose and drive, Aletia?” I’ll tell you. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved helping others. So I decided that my ultimate dream in life would be to live for Jesus and help others live happier lives. Cliché, I know. But it worked. No matter where I was, who I was with, or what I was doing, I always had a mission in mind, and that mission was to help others and bring joy to their lives. Although I switched from pursuing a career in the health field to pursuing a career in education, I was able to keep my dream alive, because I knew that I would still be helping to improve the lives of countless children with whom I came into contact. Like a dog after a bone, I’ve stubbornly pushed forward towards earning a college degree since I wanted to be the best teacher that I could be. Not for my own pride or glory, but for the sake of those whose moldable minds I would be molding and shaping during those critical elementary years of their education. So focused have I been on earning my degree in elementary education, I have had to purposefully involve myself in social activities such as brass ensemble just to ensure I would interact with other people outside of my work and school environment. But I do not regret it one bit. Now that I’m in my final year of college, I can look back at the memories I established with the friends I have made with fond nostalgia. Looking back, I know that I have made a positive impact on a few lives, and I know that going forward, I can continue to pursue my dream of helping others live happier lives. By Aletia Thornton
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