"How many of you made your parents' wishes come true?
How many of you are doing what you really like-whether it be by accident or after careful planning?
How many of you are still trying to figure it out?
How many of you are parents trying to get your children to fulfill your dreams?

What it boils down to is VISION CHALLENGES PURSUITS SUCCESSES
Having a vision, being challenged: overcoming it. Pursuing this dream and succeeding.

When I was a senior in high school, I remember giving a presentation in my social studies class and I liked standing in front of my peers with chalk in hand, explaining about ancient Chinese civilizations. I realized that being a teacher might be something to pursue. And as it turned out, I did become a teacher. (Wow! What a joy and challenge)

India became hooked on animals when she was about 6 years old. Her father and I soon had visions of India becoming a veterinarian and encouraged her to pursue it. Well, I recently asked India about becoming a vet and she laughed at me. Now she has talked about becoming a photographer and wanting to travel around the world. Well, now I fantasize about seeing her photos in National Geographic magazines.

But
Who has the vision? Who will accept the challenge? Will "it" be pursued? How will "it" be considered a success?

In 6th grade, India took an After School Activities class, called "Girls Rock!" A program run by Passages NW to teach rock climbing to middle school students.

India enjoyed it tremendously. Every Monday afternoon for about 5 hours she would go to Vertical World for class. It was amazing to see these young women assessing a climb, gaining confidence and agility, nimbly and fearlessly working their way up a rock face. The camaraderie and support they gave each other was uplifting.

This is a typical Passages NW experience: vision, challenge, pursuit, success-individually and collective. Giving and sharing, not possessive or competitive.

What a marvelous opportunity for India to meet courageous, focused, fun-loving, and independent women. These women are role models who inspire others to have a vision, to challenge themselves: both physically and mentally, to pursue their own path and to succeed.

Some unexpected events have affected our lives: separation, unemployment, an oldest child going out of state for college, car mishaps and endless financial woes. These have distressed this family, distresses that face many other families. THANK GOD there are angels of mercy and good friends and extended "family." Friends and support I didn't even know existed!
Passages NW offered scholarships to rock climbing adventures and has nominated India to be a Pinnacle scholar for the Outward Bound West program, therefore making it possible for India to seek her vision, to challenge herself, to pursue her dream and to succeed.

This is a great community of people: full of good cheer, encouragement, caring. They cultivate a love of nature, and actively encourage all to do their best. They made every young woman know that they are loved-even if they don't reach the top of the mountain.

India-the veterinarian. India-the freelance photographer. India---woman of the world who acquired many valuable qualities as part of Passages NW, who will most surely look back and be proud of these experiences and be grateful.

So I conclude this speech by asking you these questions:
What is your personal vision?
How will you be challenged?
Will you still pursue your dream?
In what way will you succeed?

Thanks to our association with Passages NW, some of these questions have been answered."