Tara+Y’s+OpEd+Article



What gives people the right to crush someone else’s dreams? Do they hold any less value? Do they scare other people? I just don’t understand.

Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a doctor. Not just any doctor though, a missionary doctor. Except for the 4 years that I wanted to be a princess or actress, but that was before I knew the realities of this world. Some people may still believe that I don't know them and that what I aim for is completely unrealistic. But if it's so impossible and far-fetched, then I don't see how hundreds of other people are doing what I long to do.

The idea of this life style frightens people. Many people say “but honey, you won’t be making any money” or “the dreams you have when you are 17 usually don’t last, sorry”. Now, usually I would just brush off the comments, but having heard them so many times by so many groups of people it’s hard to do.

Why am I not allowed to pursue my passion? What makes you any more entitled?

Stop being scared for me. Stop being skeptical. Stop telling what I am and what I am not capable of. I’m not concerned with money, it’s a fleeting form of happiness and contentment. I’m not concerned with safety, someone has to step up and go beyond the brim of their comfort zone. I’m concerned with living- with finding happiness within myself, not within what is accepted by society. People need to stop trying to predetermine my happiness, don’t you have your own to worry about?

It’s funny because everyone likes to pretend like they’re supportive, when in reality if anything is remotely out of THEIR comfort zone the hazard signs go up and “DANGER, DANGER”, then poof, what you like is suddenly no longer acceptable.

Wanna know what’s even better? When they tell you you’re a disappointment! It’s just so awesome and encouraging. My own grandfather likes to tell me how pointless my ambitions are and how they don’t/won’t do anything, and to put it plainly, it sucks. And if I had a dollar for every person that felt that way, I could probably put myself through medical school.

I crave culture and experience. I want to be taught and inspired in ways that I couldn't experience living in my own, sheltered world. To say that you’ve never had an appetite for adventure would be a lie. I may be poor in material items, but I will be rich in spirit. I may be dirty, but I will have clarity in life. I may be thousands of miles away, but that shouldn’t make anyone undermine my life or care any less.

My dreams don’t balance out any differently than yours. So let me live. Let me do what I love. Let me be free.