I was invited to an all-expense paid trip to Orlando courtesy of Disney to attend the Disney Dreamer Academy event in exchange for my coverage. No other compensation was provided. All views, opinions, thoughts and ideas shared on my post are completely my own.

As a child, I dreamed of being on television.  If anyone asked me “what do you want to be when you grow up” I would say an actress.  I was dead set on displaying my talents on the big screen.

When I was in the 7th grade I took drama at Hale Jr. High School in Woodland Hills, California.  It was the most exciting and terrifying class ever. I was so nervous, I often thought to myself why in the world do I want to do this?  I persevered through that class, but I did not stick to it after that.  As a matter of fact, I did not take another drama or acting class again. 

Earlier this year I attended the Disney Dreamer Academy as press.  It was my second time attending the event, but the first time I could experience the entire event, meet the Team and see the wonderful impact that it had on both the Dreamers and their parents. 

 

While there, I wondered, “if I had attended an event like Disney Dreamer Academy as a child, would I have held on and pursued my dream of being an actress?’  I honestly couldn’t help but wonder especially since the room was full of Dreamers and Dream Encouragers.  From Steve Harvey to Miki Taylor, the parents and celebrity guests, and the entire Disney Cast and Staff – the Dreamers in that room had a wealth of resources and support!

I definitely think had I been exposed to the Disney Dreamer Academy as a kid, I would be an actress on television today.  What is the Disney Dreams Academy?  I’m glad you asked.

“Disney Dreamers Academy is a power-packed, 4-day event held annually at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, in which 100 select high school students, ages 13-19, are inspired to dream big and get a jump-start on making those dreams come true!”

At the Disney Dreamer Academy, the Dreamers experience what is called Dreamer Inspiration where they learn more about the transformational power of dreams that will open a new world of possibilities for them and their future.   

One of the transformational moments happened when William Williams hit the stage and performed his spoken word entitled “Power of Courage & Faith.”

Amazing, right? His courage, creativity, and testimony lead him to win the 2017 Disney Dreamers Courage Award.

As a mom, one of my main jobs is to help my son Chance find his purpose, path and follow his dreams.  Everyone has a passion, you know, something that makes their smile big and eyes bright.  I am committed to helping Chance follow his dreams by encouraging his creativity and exposing him to things that bring him joy and excitement.  He’s eight, so he is not old enough to attend the Disney Dreamer Academy, but when he is, I am certainly going to help him apply to be a Dreamer!

When our children believe they can be great, have a destiny and future ahead of them, they tend to avoid risky behaviors. When they are passionate about something, like William and his spoken word…not only are they more apt to pursue it, they have less time for trouble and things that could potentially steal their dreams.

Disney is currently looking for the 2018 Dreamers for next year’s Disney Dreamers Academy program.  The program will help your child convert their dreams into goals, and create a plan to make those goals a reality.  Potential Dreamers must be between the ages of 13-19, enrolled in high school, grades 9th through 12th and living in the United States. 

My childhood dream of becoming an actress has not come true yet, but I have not given up on it. I’m confident that I will make my debut on television one day.  As for Chance, I am constantly exposing him to opportunities and investing in those things that bring him the most joy and excitement in hopes that one day, he will attend the Disney Dreamer Academy and they will help further inspire, motivated and prepare him to continue to DREAM BIG!

Are you ready to help your child be a Dreamer? Well, if you have a child that fits the qualifications mentioned above, one way to do so is to complete and submit the application by October 31, 2017.   

 

[latoyia]