Why I’m not giving up on my dreams

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my seventeen years on this Earth, it’s that having a “realistic” outlook on life is the most boring existence you can live. I have so much trouble understanding and relating to people who look at things statistically: people who insist that big dreams are too far out of reach, and not worth pursuing.

I believe that living life should be about adventure. You should be able to dream big and then chase those dreams. Who cares if people frown on you for wanting to be an actor or a fashion designer? Who cares if people think it’s impractical to be a musician or a talk-show host? When I’m older and my kid comes up to me saying s/he wants to be an astronaut, I wouldn’t doubt them for a second. If they want to be an astronaut, they can go be an astronaut. You can do anything you want to do if you never give up.

I’ve spent my entire life with big hopes and dreams. When I was a kid, I was certain I wanted to be a singer. I wrote songs, sang, played the guitar, and performed in talent shows. I was determined. But once I turned about fourteen, my dreams changed. I decided that I wanted to be an actress and an author. I’m seventeen now, which is that age when adults panic if you don’t start thinking about college. But as many times as I have the same argument with my parents (who are definitely realists), I have never once considered backing down. I’m going to do whatever it takes to live my dreams.

One of the most satisfying feelings ever is proving the people who doubt you wrong. All those kids who laughed in your face and said “keep dreaming.” All those teachers that rolled their eyes at your “unrealistic goals.” I say, screw all of that. If you want to do something with your life, go do it. Don’t let people or society in general keep you from living your dreams.

Want to climb Mount Everest? Go climb Mount Everest. Want to be a gymnast? Go be a gymnast. How about a makeup artist or a comedian or an acrobat or whatever else you dream of doing? Go. Do. Those. Things. Don’t let anything hold you back. Don’t be a realist; be a dreamer.

Emily Metz is a seventeen-year-old aspiring actress and author from Wisconsin. Her hobbies include drawing, writing, singing, and playing the guitar.

(Featured image via Shutterstock.)