W01 Reflection: Create a Life of Meaning

I think Randy Paush was able to achieve so many of his childhood dreams because he did not stop dreaming and act. It is super important to dream, but more important is to take action. We need to focus and be clear of what we want. It is not enough just to keep dreaming. I remember I had a dream; I wanted to move to the United States. The first time I visited the country was when I was 15 years old. My parents gave me the trip as a gift because of my sweet fifteen. I spent 2 months with my grandmother and aunt. I felt in love with all the culture, food, people, opportunities, everything. I was literally obsessed with becoming a reality my dream. I never forget that I make a promise: I am going to live here (in Georgia), and I am going to raise my kids here.

A lot of things happened. I fell in love, I got engaged, worked as a musical Manager, and then as an event planner for many years, and you know life happens, but I never keep dreaming about my life here.

I got pregnant, and a lot of things started to change. I had a placenta previa. My pregnancy was high risk, and my doctor recommended that I avoid activities that might cause contractions like stress, walk a lot, high heels, and leave my nightlife as an event planner. I moved back to my parent's house, and a few months later, I found out that my fiancé was unfaithful. I broke up with him becoming a single mom.

My daughter was the light at the end of the tunnel. But not only for me, for my mom too. She was going through a significant depression that latest two years until my daughter's birth. When you are more mature and have more responsibilities is a big push to become a better person of yourself.

My country was going through many difficulties, becoming more dangerous, and the economy was going down. That was my final push.

I printed a picture of downtown Atlanta, placing it in my nightstand, and I started working towards that target.

When the government began to open international flights, I ran to the travel agency and bought our tickets.

It was hard to leave behind all my life, but it was excited to become my dream come true. I landed in this country with a suitcase in one hand and my daughter in the other one, with more dreams to achieve.

Nowadays, I have an excellent husband, and I a boy too. My daughter and I are best friends.

I have a lot of dreams that I want to achieve, but now I know that I need to work for them. My family pushed me to be the best and be an example for them.