Day 12: Turning Dreams into Reality

 “Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality,”  - Jonas Salk. 

When people think about their future, they often overlook how they are the ones who can shape it. As we age, dreams may seem unattainable, but it’s never too late to pursue what you love. The challenge isn’t necessarily how difficult achieving a dream may be, but the effort we put into reaching it. Ultimately, it’s up to us to decide whether to chase our dreams or let them slip away.

One of my dreams is to start a business selling jewelry and accessories, using my platform to inspire and motivate others while making a positive impact. For me, jewelry represents more than just a creative outlet. It's more than a way to express confidence and individuality. I want my creations to resonate with people and reflect my Mexican heritage, encouraging other Latina girls to find their own paths to self-expression. Through my business, I hope to show that following your passions can be both fulfilling and influential.

With my influence, I aim to demonstrate that dreams are attainable with hard work and dedication. I want to be part of a community that uplifts and motivates people to keep going despite challenges. Resilience is crucial for overcoming obstacles, and persisting through difficulties has helped many achieve their goals. People often regret missed opportunities more than the risks they took. Facing and overcoming challenges is an essential part of making dreams come true.

I didn’t come from wealth or power, but I truly believe that hard work, dedication, and taking chances are key to reaching your dreams. Success isn’t solely about financial gain; it’s about pursuing what is truly important to you. Investing time and faith into your dreams brings them closer to reality. It’s not about being the best but about finding joy and fulfillment in your efforts. By embracing this mindset, you can turn your aspirations into achievements.

In chasing my dreams, I aim to motivate other Latina individuals and those within the Hispanic community to set and pursue their goals. Through perseverance and dedication, we can all make a positive difference. Success is not just measured by financial status but also by the satisfaction found in our efforts. Remember, the journey towards achieving our dreams is as significant as reaching the goal. Together, we can celebrate our heritage and create meaningful impacts.

About the Author

Cammy Castillo, High School Student & Somos Escritoras Alumna

She was born in Houston. She has lived in Las Vegas, Austin, and Los Angeles. She is a high school student in Brownsville, TX. She dreams of launching a jewelry business to reflect her Mexican heritage and inspire Latina girls. She hopes to continue uplifting her community through her writing and jewelry.

About the Blog Series

The #LatinaLuminaries Blog Series by Somos Escritoras. The series was created to illuminate the wisdom, experiences, voices, and truths of Latina women and girls and the broader Latinx community. The blog series features writing from escritoras (participants) and writing mentors from Somos Escritoras Latinx Writing Workshop. Published Latina authors, writers, poets, and illustrators who presented at our workshop also contributed to the blog series.