Among us, are dreamers who were forced to relinquish their aspirations simply because it was too far from their reality. Life, for each one of us, has its own meanings and expectations. However, forging through life to try and make these dreams and expectations we hold for ourselves a reality, is a task, which most are often too afraid or unable to do. Among us, the possibility of becoming a doctor, a lawyer, or pursuing a higher education that will enable us to pursue our dreams is unimaginable. Not many hold the privilege of getting close enough to smell the fragrance of books, both new and old or walk along the halls of a university. Each generation works so that the next can succeed. It may take many years, but the seed will always bear fruit and whatever has been passed can never be forgotten or erased. The many generations’ worth of hardship and sacrifice, just for the possibility of being in a university classroom can never be ignored.
To the parents, the grandparents, the great-grandparents, and beyond, we represent you in our journey for success, not only for ourselves but for our ancestors and family today who were and are unable to do so. It is important to reflect and remember how we have come to where we are now. For, what was once a dream is now a reality. It is often too easy to scorn education and express our annoyance at the amount of work it takes to achieve. However, it is a gift that we do not know we possess, and behind it are years of sacrifice and hardship. It is only by reflecting and acknowledging these sacrifices that we can be grateful for the opportunity we have been granted. Not knowing your past is like a tree without roots, and we must know our roots to grow and thrive.
It is the everyday people- the seamstress, the fisherman, the builders, and among others who give us the privilege to see hard work in its rarest form. It is those people who we call, “mum”, “dad”, “aunty”, “uncle”, “grandmother” or “grandfather” that show us the meaning of determination and resilience. The knowledge and the skills that have been passed from generation to generation have built a foundation for who we are today. It is with this knowledge and pride I hold for my family and where I come from, that allow me to persevere through life amidst the challenges it may bring. The generations of my forebears have led me to where I am today; the creole language I speak, my name, my culture, and the way I form my views have all come from them.
The mask they were forced to wear as the poem ‘We Wear the Mask’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar would demonstrate, shows the majesty that it is to be from a lineage of people who did everything they could only for their future generations to stand tall and strong. Having conviction in oneself is something that is not easy to do, however, do not question your worth, for you come from greatness and that can never be taken away. So, if you ever doubt yourself and question why or how you found yourself at university, remember that you deserve it. It is not something that was achieved overnight, it took generations of love, sacrifice, and determination that led you to where you are now. As you walk along the halls of university, smile, as you are the living dream of so many who came before you. Work hard in the hopes that you too can become a precedent for what you can achieve with resilience and determination. Do not recluse yourself, let go of the mask and bask in the glory and beauty that is you. Represent where you come from and who you truly are, something that was once impossible and forced to be hidden away. You belong here, just as much as your peers, and do not forget your roots, carry them with you wherever you go. Do not conform to society’s standards or expectations as that will only diminish your light and purpose.
Do not recluse yourself, let go of the mask and bask in the glory and beauty that is you. Represent where you come from and who you truly are, something that was once impossible and forced to be hidden away.
Among us, some are living the dreams of their ancestors. Remembering where you come from and being the living proof that love and determination can create a wave for future generations, is so beautiful and powerful. Knowing that behind you are a myriad of people guiding you and supporting you in your journey can be comforting and overwhelming, but it also shows that you are not alone in this journey called life. Instead of money, land, or any material things, we have been blessed with the knowledge of where we come from and who we are and that is something that can never be taken away from us. This knowledge runs through your veins and can give more life to anything that can ever be possessed in this world. Continue to thrive and reach higher. Leave your mark on this world just as your ancestors have left their mark on you.
Reflective Questions
My goal with presenting you with these reflective questions is for it to act as a prompt and allow you to take a minute for yourself and sit with your thoughts. What I appreciate the most about reading a story, poem, or essay someone has written is that it gives me the opportunity to enter their world, in some way. It also allows me to expand on ideas that I have not yet taken the time to think about and from there I can begin to develop my own ideas. So, my hope for you is to conjure up your own ideas from ‘Among Us Are Dreamers’, and explore what it means to you.
Now that you have explored my world, take the time to search for yours.
- What is a dream you have given up?
- What is a dream you are currently working on?
- What gets you down? And how do you find the strength to push forward?
- Who are the biggest supporters of your dreams?
- What does family mean to you?
- What is a quality that you are proud to have inherited from your parents or grandparents?
- What is one thing that you are doing or have done that your parents or grandparents did not have the opportunity to do?
- How have your parents, grandparents, or someone from your family impacted your life?
- If you could say something to someone who was having a hard time with self-love or belonging, what would you say to them?
Background: This article of mine was published in 2021 by my faculty’s magazine. However, edits have been made to suit my developing thoughts and with no word limit restrictions.
