by Ronnie Tyler
Last week Lamar, Eric, and I provided you with highlights from our trip to Disney to cover the 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy. During the 4 day event, I had the opportunity talk to many of the young dreamers (110 teens that were selected from a pool of 4000.) And I must say that I was not only impressed by those teens, but also inspired by them.
The 2011 class of Disney’s Dreamers Academy truly is an extraordinary group of kids. These 100 young students come from all over the country, each representing a different path to the Disney’s Dreamers Academy, and each proving that with hard work and a little magic, your dreams really can come true. Discover the stories behind each member of this class and follow along on their journey as they aspire to make their dreams come true.
One young man that made a lasting impression on me is Briaun. Briaun’s profile on the Disney’s Dreamer’s Academy page reads:
As a young man being raised by a single mom, I have endured many hardships. Life has not been easy. However, my mom taught me to appreciate life itself. My mom has instilled persistence in me from birth. I use her and Jesus to inspire me to dream. Next year, I will start a new chapter in my life as I attend Howard University where I have been accepted. I live because I dream. I am overjoyed with the acceptance into Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey. I will build upon this opportunity to make sure all of my dreams come true.
It’s just a coincidence that I know his mom from high school. I was standing there in a crowded room full of parents and kids and I heard my name: “Ronnie…..Ronnie…girl what are you doing here? This is my baby Briaun.” She was grinning from ear to ear as she proudly introduced her baby (young man) who is over 6′ 3″.
Briaun impressed me because he really made the most of his experience while he was at Disney. He was excited to be there and he did not mind showing it….none of that playing it cool like Disney should have been glad that he was there. Briaun took every opportunity to shine. He was networking, he was asking questions, he was volunteering. If you attended any of the breakout sessions that Briaun also attended, then you knew that Briaun was there.
During one of the sessions, the Disney facilitators told the kids that “you never know whose watching you” and to always bring your A game. That’s exactly what Briaun did. Not only was I watching him, but so was Disney. During the closing ceremony, Briaun was one of 4 teens that received an award for their outstanding participation throughout the 4 day event.
As adults, we could definitely learn something from Briaun. We have goals and aspirations..but are we bringing our A game at all times? We want that promotion at work…but are we trying to excel on our current assignments and are we networking with the right folks in management? We want our marriages to be better..but are willing to “endure the hardships?” Will we remain persistent, even when things are not easy?
Please check out the interview with Briaun. He will be attending Howard University next year and his goals are to become an Actor and a Politician and he is passionate about ensuring that people have equal rights. If you are in the DC area and have any opportunities for an ambitious young man like Briaun, please contact us here at BMWK.
BMWK Family – Are you bringing your A game at all times? Please leave some words of encouragement for Briaun.