Change in Dreams: The Development of The Pan-American Dream

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I had just finished my second year of college while living a semester homeless.  It wasn't the experience I hoped it would be... lacking a certain sense of adventure... mainly because I became focused on passing all 18 credits that term and didn't seek out my original goals or ideas...

I was searching for a sense of freedom... that I didn't attain... so after later reflection on my homeless experience, I made a new plan in my head:  I would graduate from the University of Michigan, pay off all my student loans, and then get "lost" by backpacking throughout the 50 U.S. States.  Perhaps I would be gone a year... maybe more... maybe I could get a taste of this freedom I was looking for...

I graduate from school in May 2008.  I meet Kelly during Fall 2008.  Spring/Summer 2009 Kelly and I start dating and begin to fall in love.  Throughout the summer, my plans change as I realize Kelly would be coming with me on the journey.  It would be for the best as I would have someone special with me to share the experience.  Somewhere along the lines the route changes.  Instead of all 50 states, we decide to go to Alaska and from there, go all the way to Argentina.  And thus, the Pan-American Dream was born.

September 2009, I take a job through a grant at Eastern Michigan University to create and facilitate after-school filmmaking clubs at three high school sites including Wayne Memorial H.S. where I graduated.  The job is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had.  May 2010, I find a colleague to replace my position as Kelly and I prepare for our trip.  However, I want to continue working with youth in film and the creative arts so Kelly and I decide we'll teach free film/photography camps to communities we visit on our route.

March 2010, I pay off my student loans and I am debt free- a fantastic feeling.

May 2010, Kelly graduates from UofM's School of Art.

May/June 1010, Kelly and I continue to prepare for our expedition through research, networking, and fund-raising.

July 6th, 2010, We will depart Ann Arbor, MI and begin our journey.

So there it is: The Pan-American Dream!

Everyone can help make this dream possible in a number of ways:

1.  You can make a pledge or "Back Our Project" on Our Kickstarter Page.  A minimum pledge is $5 and if we get enough people to support, that $5 will go a long way.

2.  If you can't make a donation at this time, you can help us by following our blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube while sharing with your friends.

3.  And one of the biggest ways you can help our dream is to simply believe in it.  Positive energy goes a long way.  This can be done with attitude and word choice.  For example, if you tell a friend about us, don't say, "Check out what they want to do," or "Check out what they're trying to do."  Instead, say something like, "LOOK AT WHAT THESE TWO ARE DOING," or "THEY'RE MAKING IT HAPPEN!"

If you have an idea, project, dream, or goal on your mind, I encourage you to create your own Kickstarter project and make it happen!

Thank you for reading!!!