I believe that we can change the world. I know there are cynics among us who would argue that we have little power over anything, that the game is rigged and the outcome pre-determined. So why even try? I disagree. I think we have power over our thoughts and actions, and that is everything. Our mindset determines how we chart our course and our choices determine the outcomes.

It’s true, our environments can be fertile or futile. They can provide a platform from which to launch or a prison to anchor and confine. Many of us have invested way too much time meditating on input from the cynics (It’s never just one). It’s no wonder that their skepticism and doubts begin to capsize our momentum. It’s all mental. When you are truly focused on where you’re headed, it’s harder for others to disrupt your quest. This applies to all of us, no matter your life circumstance.

Growing up in the foster care system, we often felt that we had no power. When you meet with women who have been domestically abused, many feel that they have no power. When you have been victimized or overlooked, passed over and dismissed, it is easy to believe that you have no power. But that’s nonsense! Even if you grew up surrounded by challenges and overwhelmed with adversity, you can still change the world.

What if we all believed that we could change the world? What would our work environments and communities look like? If we believed that we could change the world, I wonder if we would reach for loftier goals. I wonder if private citizens could fathom banding together to ensure that every child has access to quality early childhood education, and those who graduate high school and desire more could have the resources to pursue college or career training, despite their economic standing.

Harriet Tubman is credited as saying, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” To change the trajectory of a generation we have to dream loftier goals. We the people have the ability to do more than we ever imagined.