Select Entry- Crystal Williams, Age 27

Welcome to our Optimistic Essay category. Here you will find the $1,000 winning contest essay, 5 finalist essays and 15 honorable mention essays and a growing list of hand-picked select essays that readers submitted during our "Why Are You Optimistic About the Future?" contest.

It was Langston Hughes who begged of us to " hold fast to our dreams" because life would be fruitless without them. Our dreams are our window to the future, as long as we have dreams we will press on to the future relenting only when they have been achieved. When there are dreams to achieve there is something to live for. I am optimistic about the future because I see the nations wave of networks whose sole purpose is to help individuals achieve their dreams. Whether it is to own their own home or improve on their appearance there is an outlet in place to help you reach your goal. From home improvement to self improvement there are both public and private entities at your disposal to give you an extreme makeover, they need only be beckoned by a letter or a call saying " help me please". With all the negativity and misfortune in the world, it is easy to overlook the good that is exhibited through programs like Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network or any one of the many foundations who offer to "make your wishes come true'. I am encouraged when I see the social and emotional toll these programs have made on our society. To give unselfishly and make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate has become the new epidemic. I am optimistic because a nation who was founded on dreams is still a land of dreamers and dream makers. The" American Dream" may at times seem deferred for most but not forgotten and that dream is still worth dreaming.