Dream a Dream

I don’t remember much about my first few years.
I know I was loved.
I know my parents were proud of every achievement I made,
no matter how small…

I remember their smiles of joy
when I soared like a swan
in my feathery tutu.

I saw tears in their eyes
when my little fingers finally completed
the Sound of Music.

I was just like every other little girl…
until a chance visit to the marriage market
where girls are advertised as brides.

My heart ached
for their shattered dreams …
for their unspoken desires …
and I vowed to change the world.

That it does not have to be this way,
that we have choices,
that every girl dares to dream.

I like ballet
but I love rock-climbing more…

I play piano
but drumming really moves me…

I enjoy shopping with friends
but I’d rather be working on my tech start-up …

I adore writing
but I dream of signing my name in the sky
and of becoming the first female Prime Minister of Singapore!

I am Lara Chen
and this is my dream.

#dreamadream