And if you can dream it, you can do it!

Big Ideas

Hi Cathy

I want to be an actress one day. My mum says I should go for it, but my dad says I need to get a real job because people like me don’t get to do things like that. How can I show him he’s wrong?

Gwen, age 10

Dear Cathy

I would like to be a doctor and find a cure for cancer. It means a lot to me because my grandad died of cancer, but it’s not a dream I can really talk about because I don’t think other people would get it.

Eden, age 12

Gwen and Eden understand the magic of dreams. They both have a goal, a picture of what they want to do one day, and they believe in that dream. They know that other people’s doubts or disbelief can shake the dream, so they stay silent about their hopes and ambitions unless they are with someone they know will be supportive.

Gwen’s dad doesn’t mean to be unsupportive, but he is worried that acting could be a very difficult career for her, and doesn’t want her to be disappointed. He’s right, she has set herself a very tough challenge, but she is determined… and that kind of determination should be encouraged. Yes, Gwen should work hard at school, keep her options open and pass as many exams as she can. But she could also look at drama groups or classes, which would help her to see whether she has a skill for the career she’s dreaming of.

Eden’s dream is lovely, but even more ambitious! I suspect her friends would admire her motives and be supportive, but sometimes keeping a dream secret can make it even more special.

Eden and Gwen may find that no matter how hard they work, dreams don’t always work out exactly as they imagine. Gwen may not become a famous movie star, but perhaps a TV actress, a drama teacher or even an accountant who takes the lead role in the local amateur dramatics production every Christmas… but she will have followed her dream, and that will make her happy. Eden may not discover a cure for cancer, but perhaps she’ll become a doctor or nurse working with cancer patients, or a research scientist working on new medicines and treatments. I think she’d be happy with those versions of the dream too!

Fame at Last

Cathy

I want to be famous. I look at programmes like Big Brother and The X Factor and know that it will be my turn one day. I want it so much I just know it has to happen!

Cordie, age 12

Dear Cathy

I want to be rich and famous just like you. Do you live in a mansion? Do you know lots of stars? Did you always want to be famous?

Linda, age 10

Cordie and Linda have big dreams too, but they’re not as likely to bring happiness and fulfilment. Wishing to be an actress or a doctor is one thing, but wishing to be famous? Well, be careful what you wish for!