Embracing Dreams: A Reflection on “Keep Dreaming” by Emma Stevens
Emma Stevens’ song “Keep Dreaming” is a beautiful tribute to the enduring power of dreams and the resilience needed to pursue them. The song reflects on the journey of dreaming, beginning with the innocent wishes of childhood for a fairy tale life. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, even when faced with challenges, and the understanding that dreams may not always come true.
The lyrics highlight the value of continuing to dream and believe in possibilities throughout life. Stevens beautifully captures the essence of hope and perseverance, encouraging listeners to keep dreaming every day. This perspective is crucial, as it reminds us that while not all dreams may manifest, the act of dreaming itself is uplifting and valuable.
As the singer matures, she acknowledges the role of personal actions and choices in shaping one’s life, reinforcing the idea of agency in one’s journey. This realization adds depth to the song’s message, reminding us that our dreams and efforts are integral to our life’s path.
In essence, “Keep Dreaming” is a song that inspires resilience and the relentless pursuit of dreams, no matter the obstacles. It celebrates the beauty of hope and the power of believing in the possibilities that lie ahead.
My Childhood Dream
Growing up, my childhood dream was to be the first Lady Pilot in the world. I loved the idea of the freedom that comes with flying through the blue sky. The thought of piloting an aircraft and exploring the world from above filled my imagination with endless possibilities. However, as I grew older, I learned that I am deaf and living with Asperger’s Syndrome. These challenges made it impossible for me to achieve my dream of becoming the first lady pilot. Especially when I wrote about my dream in an essay, my teacher rejected it, saying, “In this world, there are only male pilots, and you have some issues that prevent you from being trained as a female pilot.”
This comment shattered my childhood dream and truly broke my little heart at that moment. But I didn’t blame my teacher because, in the ’70s, the blue sky was a freedom only for males.
My Teenage Dream – My Violin Journey
In my teenage years, my father bought me a violin for RM200. This was my first and only violin. My violin teacher, Uncle Sam, was a wonderful mentor who never saw me as a student with many challenges. Despite my difficulties, he was willing to teach me violin lessons. Uncle Sam’s dedication and patience helped me nurture a new dream—to become a violinist. Sadly, after four years of lessons, Uncle Sam passed away due to health conditions. I lost a great mentor and struggled to find another violin teacher. Many were reluctant to take on a student with my unique challenges. Despite this setback, I have never given up on my dream of playing the violin. The lessons and memories with Uncle Sam continue to inspire me to keep pursuing my passion for music, even without formal violin lessons.
My Turning Point: Setting Aspirations for Outstanding OKU
The turning point in my life came when I realized that my challenges could be transformed into strengths. I decided to set aspirations and goals for myself, to break through being tagged as OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya). My experiences with the dream of flying freely and playing the violin with Uncle Sam taught me the importance of perseverance and the power of hope.
I began to constantly learn because I knew that to become an outstanding person despite my challenges, I first had to build up my mind and spirit to be strong. Determined to rise above my circumstances, I immersed myself in education and self-improvement. I pursued knowledge in digital literacy and explored technologies because I believed that these fields could offer new opportunities for people like me.
With renewed strength and determination, I started blogging and developing my blog website. Every day, whenever I was free, I would read, learn, explore, and gather information from the internet to share my thoughts on my blog. During my younger years, I successfully became a somewhat well-known blogger in Asia. I received an offer from a magazine firm to be a blogger for their magazine on the topic of food and travel. I loved this offer because it allowed me to travel freely and relax in most Asian countries. Thus, I first realized the meaningfulness of life as a talented OKU.
My Shining Point: Becoming a Real Special Needs Educator
Thereafter, I began to focus on empowering others with disabilities, using my story to inspire and motivate. I dedicated myself to advocating for better opportunities and support for those with special needs. My work in digital literacy, creative IoT, and innovative teaching practices became a platform to showcase how technology and education can break barriers.
This journey led me to develop programs and initiatives that cater specifically to the needs of OKU students. By integrating AI, VR, and AR into learning environments, I aimed to create inclusive and immersive educational experiences. I strive to ensure that every OKU student has the tools and support they need to achieve their dreams, just as I continue to pursue mine.
Through my efforts, I hope to change perceptions and create a society where everyone, regardless of their challenges, can aspire to greatness and realize their full potential.
And Today, the Power of AI
In my journey of dreaming, I have found solace and hope in the advancements of technology, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI). In today’s world, we are entering the era of AI technology. I personally believe that to be an outstanding OKU must keep pace with the development of global trends. Therefore, with a mindset of lifelong learning, I have also explored and studied AI. AI has opened up new avenues and opportunities that I had never imagined possible. It has allowed me to explore and create in ways that transcend my physical limitations.
AI has become a tool that helps me express my creativity, develop new skills, and continue dreaming in a different capacity. It has enabled me to contribute to society in meaningful ways and pursue my passions in the fields of digital literacy, creative IoT, and innovative teaching practices.
Lastly, “Keep Dreaming” resonates deeply with me because it mirrors my own journey. It reminds me that while my dreams may have taken a different shape, the essence of dreaming and believing in possibilities remains vital. Embracing hope and perseverance can lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes.
