#whydev.org

[how-matters]

Why development workers should read children’s books by Weh Yeoh of whydev.org

[timphan]

dream on

(disclaimer; this post is inspired by a blog post from Alison Smith of Whydev.org, a great site to read about aid and development. You should read the full post here, I merely summarized it and expanded upon it)

How to reach your "dream"

1. Set realistic dreams.

Don't be a teacher if you are impatient, don't write books if you hate reading. 

Match up your skills and traits with the right goal. 

It is better to know oneself than all the world; realize your limitations before jumping. 

Know the tangible objectives that will bring you one step closer to your goal.

2. Surround yourself with people who also chase their dreams

Peer pressure can be a wonderful thing!  

Passionate people can inspire you when you are fearful, and support you when you stumble. 

Be humble around people who have more knowledge and experience than you, yet don't hesitate to show your ambition. 

Help comes to people who demonstrate true passion in chasing their dreams; we all want each other to succeed. 

Don't be afraid to cut false friends who doubt you, and constrain you from reaching your goals.

3. The best dreams evolve.

Frodo's original goal was to bring the Ring to Rivendell, his love of his Shire pushed him to go to Mordor (though one does not simply walk into Mordor).

Gandhi's original goal was to be a lawyer, and his exposure to racism in South Africa as a lawyer shaped his views on social injustice. I think he did pretty well for himself.

Bill Gates revolutionized the personal computer industry. Yet his greatest contribution to society may be his philanthropy which is helping to fight malnutrition and poverty, while also expanding education and informational technology to the needy. 

My dream grad school back in 2009 was the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Now I am finally here, but I am expecting to find new dreams among new influences in my classmates, professors, and coursework. Will my road lead me to the policy-making world of Washington DC, quench my wanderlust in the development/aid world, fulfill my cosmopolitan paradise of San Francisco, or some unknown path that I am yet to discover? My journey is barely beginning; all that I can do is work hard and soak in as many ideas as I can. My ultimate goal of living a life of compassion and service is still evolving.

Good luck to my friends in the class of 2012, and to everyone else still chasing their passions! With effort and efficiency, I am sure you will reach your goal.