Aimee, age 13

Following your dreams is one thing… and don’t get me wrong, it’s a big thing! But you need to do more than just follow – you need to grab those dreams and work hard to make them happen. One thing is for certain: they won’t come true all by themselves!

Tira has the right idea. She isn’t waiting for anyone to tell her what to do… she’s working it out right now. Already, she is thinking like a fashion designer, learning basic skills. Studying art at GCSE and A level (or Standard Grade/Intermediate Two/Higher, if you are in Scotland) is important to strengthen skills in drawing, painting and colour. Tira may have enjoyed a textiles course, but it is not essential for admission to a fashion degree – most unis will be way more interested to see the designs and pieces she has created herself. A passion for your chosen career counts for a lot.

Aimee is also determined to make her dream happen. She has worked very hard over many years, and has researched and planned what happens next, but her sister’s words have hit home. Negative comments can make us doubt ourselves, but it’s likely that Aimee’s sister is a little envious of her sister’s talents. Very few dancers become famous names, but there are many who quietly make a living doing what they love. And as I’ve said, there are jobs in all kinds of related areas too, from teaching to choreography… Aimee has plenty of options.

If you are following a dream, you have to believe in it – and in yourself!

Cathy

A boy in my class has been offered work experience at the local TV studios because one of the producers is his uncle. I am so annoyed because this would be my dream, and he isn’t even bothered about it!

Kauther, age 14

Dear Cathy

I’d love to be a singer-songwriter, and for the last year I’ve been in a band with some kids from school. I’ve written a lot of songs, sent off tons of demo CDs and posted clips on YouTube. We have our own website, and we’ve had a couple of gigs at the school, which have been good practice. We’ve just been asked to play our first festival – so you see dreams can come true!

Andie, age 15

We talked about this a bit in the Confidence Tricks chapter. Some people are luckier than others… or are they? Kauther is upset because a friend has the work experience she’d have loved, but did she think of approaching the TV studio herself or doing anything to arrange something similar?

You can wait a very long time for someone to offer you your dream on a plate. The chances are, it won’t happen – we make our own luck.

Andie’s letter shows that hard work and determination really do pay off. What do successful people from all walks of life have in common? They work a whole lot harder than the average person! To be really, really good at anything, you have to put in the practice – lots of it. Every day, for weeks, months, years. It has to be your passion, your love.