How would you support and encourage the young woman, in your life, who has made certain choices, to make her dreams come true?

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:11:25 -0500

"Flashdance" is another coming of age/rite of passage movie. (Girl Meets World - Girl Conquers World)

https://youtu.be/9UD0MSOE3X0?si=qNUwXFRttFaN3urx

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Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jan 1 at 2026 7:05 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:05:23 -0500

Sit down with her and make a plan...that's what we did with our granddaughter.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 1 at 2026 7:52 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:52:25 -0500

Baseline assumptions
_The pursuit of the material things or unhealthy desires is a nagging thirst that will never know quenching.
_Young and less mature minds often conflate the acquisition of material things or unhealthy desires with a dream.
_Desires are about self (not always the same as selfish) and acquisition.
_Dreams are about selflessness
Material things and desires always come with demands of care and concern. They can be won. They can be lost. They can cease to be our servant and become our master. The acquisition of material things and the satisfaction of desires should not be our end goal. They should be the reasonable rewards and sustenance of a life that has a greater purpose.

We need our dreams to have a healthy, purposeful and contented life. In our journey those dreams may change for any number of reasons. But to find peace and contentment there MUST be dreams. There must be a path. And there must be progress. Pursuit of dreams. even failed dreams, builds character. Sometimes good character, sometimes... not so much

I sense there is some more behind the question. Do you personally find some aspect of those choices the young woman makes distasteful? Physically or socially dangerous? Counter-productive? Is the dream worthy? Does the pursuit of the dream, win lose or draw, produce character?

If you want sound advice... we need more information. If the dream is worthy, ask the questions that will lead the young woman that show your sincere interest. Then ask her if she wants your help and how you can best provide that help.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jan 1 at 2026 8:33 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:33:00 -0500

PO3 Phyllis Maynard Set your goals high but realistic and use every ounce of determination you have to reach that goal. Then, work on exceeding your original goal. Use every resource available that you can find. I have two female students who want to go to medical school. They are both juniors currently in high school. With a meeting with their counselors they have a plan to take every health education class they can fit into their schedule. I'm in the process of writing recommendations for them to do clinicals (outside of the school real world experience).

I tell my students, "If you want something bad enough and you have the drive to do it, nothing can stop you."

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jan 1 at 2026 11:32 AM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:32:32 -0500

MY Granddaughter is pursuing her dream of becoming a surgeon. From the earliest time, she has been told there is nothing she cannot do if she is willing to put in the necessary effort

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 1 at 2026 2:23 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:23:49 -0500

Talk with them about their goals then assist with helping then stay on track

Response by SSG Roy D. made Jan 1 at 2026 5:00 PM

SSG Roy D. — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:00:32 -0500

I taught my daughter to be strong but gentle, harsh but forgiving, loving but careful, these are just a few of the things I taught her. She is a single mother of 2 teenage boys now and she is in her 30's, works hard and stays focused.

Response by Sgt Jim Belanus made Jan 1 at 2026 5:43 PM

Sgt Jim Belanus — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:43:16 -0500

I set my goals high, I woke up this morning, can't get any higher than that

Response by PO3 Edward Riddle made Jan 1 at 2026 10:36 PM

PO3 Edward Riddle — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 22:36:34 -0500

Sorry I can't offer any advice here Sister Phyllis. No young women in my life now or ever.