One of the most important lessons my family and extended family has ever taught me is to dream big. Whether it was my parents allowing me to apply to a $60,000 a year school, all of my grandparents cheering me on at every turn, or my aunt setting up a college visit for me. I can never thank them enough for that. But they also taught me to work hard. To my grandparents the concept of working several jobs wasn’t a question and I watched my aunt work incredibly hard to receive her doctorate. My parents also instilled this in me, whether it was my mom staying hours before and after school or my Dad being willing to do work-nights at the Church whenever necessary.

The combination of these two lessons is vital: we must learn to not only dream big, but also work hard for it. Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” This courage he references has everything to do with hard work. Granted we all need to understand when not to overwork ourselves, but it is incredibly important that we also know when to push through.

This is not only vital for you to achieve your dreams but it is also necessary for the next generation to have a legacy. Instilling these values in those coming up behind you is so so so important. I cannot stress this enough because I am forever thankful for the lessons my family has taught me over the years by word and by example. So thank you to all of my family for believing in me and for setting an incredible example to me of what it means to work within your means for dreams outside your means.