Dream BIG & Save That From Thieves
*Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dream*
When Varad was 15, he was assigned to write an essay about what he wanted to be when he grew up. He spent countless hours writing about his dream. He wanted to own a 200-acre Farm land one day. He wrote seven pages, describing every detail and even drew plans for the buildings, stables, and roads. He sketched a detailed layout of the 5,000-square-foot house he wanted to build. The next day, he handed in his essay to the teacher.
Two days later, his teacher returned the essay with a failing grade, along with a note: “Stay after class.”
After class, Varad, holding onto his dream, asked his teacher why he had received a poor grade. The teacher replied, “Because a dream like that is unrealistic for a boy like you. You need a lot of money to buy a ranch, and you don’t have any. You come from a poor family with no resources. There’s no way you can achieve that dream. Here’s what you should do: go home and write another essay with a more realistic dream, and I’ll give you a better grade.”
Varad went home and asked his father for advice. His father replied, “Son, this decision is up to you. It’s a crucial choice you have to make.”
Varad thought about his father’s words for a week. Finally, he handed the same essay back to the teacher and said, “You can keep the failing grade; I’m keeping my dream.”
Years went by, and Varad grew up. He shared this story with a group of people, saying, “I’m telling you this because you’re all sitting in my 5,000-square-foot house in the middle of my 200-acre Farmland. And that essay is framed above the fireplace.”
Varad continued, “The most incredible part is that two years ago, that same teacher brought 30 students to camp out on my Farmland. Before leaving, the teacher said, ‘Listen, Varad, I now realize I was a dream stealer. I’m sorry for taking so many children’s dreams away back then. But I’m glad you had the courage to defend yours.’”
*Don’t let anyone steal your dream. No matter what they say, follow your heart!*
