Austin Patrick – Multicultural Integrations Director

Reaching for a dream is the scariest thing I’ve ever done. It wasn’t until I sat in a Dream Big session with Meshell Baker that I had to face the cruel truth that I was a coward. I have dreamed of writing a novel for over ten years. I knew the characters and the story but every time I put pen to paper or fingers to computer my sense of commitment would vanish. December 2014 I did a vision board session with Meshell as part of a Dream Big seminar and when I looked at that board at the end of the session I realized that I was missing the greatest part of who I am or more importantly, who I might be by not moving forward.

What I learned in that session that living is not enough. Living with a purpose is our one true calling. We can resist it or we can give into it. The fear that I had, that many of us have is that in giving in to it, we may lose something. I felt empowered enough to take a leap of faith and hope and trust. I committed to writing my novel. Half way through that process, the old fears returned. So looking at my vision board I faced the fear and sent 200 pages out to a small group of readers. I waited. I sweated. I cried. When the feedback came it was an affirmation of the story and my ability to write the story. But more, one of the readers loved it so much she shared it with an agent. Seven months after my life altering session with Meshell, I now have agent representation for my first novel. And I know that I can do it. And I know that I can be a writer because I am a writer. Dreams do come true… but only if you commit to them.

Thank you Meshell Baker! I’ll always remember to DREAM BIG.