Do you have a BIG dream? When’s the last time you talked about it?
A free event at Drake University will provide a fun, safe, and encouraging environment for people of all ages to think about their big dreams and ideas, write them down, and help one another make those dreams a reality.
The “BIG Dream Gathering” is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in Parents Hall of Drake’s Olmsted Center, 2875 University Ave. Drake University’s Professional and Career Development Services office organized the event in conjunction with BIG Dream Gathering organizer Mitch Matthews, with sponsorship support by American Family Insurance.
“Some people come knowing exactly what their goals are, but most people come to figure that out,” Matthews explained. “We all know the value of setting goals, but we rarely get the opportunity to think about our dreams and goals or write them down. Plus, it’s amazing to see what happens when people start helping each other out.”
The BIG Dream Gathering got its start in Matthews’ West Des Moines home in 2006, but now he travels around the country facilitating these inspiring events. Recently Matthews has led BIG Dream Gatherings at the University of Wisconsin, Purdue, Truman State, the University of Iowa and The University of Northern Iowa. [Share the Drake event via Facebook.]
“Drake is excited to host a BIG Dream Gathering at Drake, particularly early in the academic year, because it offers an engaging opportunity for students to explore their dreams and a very interactive way to network,” said Chrystal Stanley, director of professional and career development services at Drake.
All sorts of dreams and goals
Over the years, all sorts of dreams have been developed and a number of success stories have come from BIG Dream Gatherings.
One college student with dreams of becoming a photographer was able to score a Pulitzer Prize-winning mentor. An elementary teacher was able to get the help she needed to send truckloads of school supplies to Africa. Others have started businesses and nonprofits while others have decided to go after “fun” goals like family vacations or skydiving.
“It’s been incredible to see what happens when people have a safe environment to think about their dreams and then get some encouragement to go after them,” says Matthews. “That’s why were so excited to bring the BIG Dream Gathering to Drake.”
Matthews will give a keynote to kick off the BIG Dream Gathering at 6:30 p.m. He will share the story of the BIG Dream Gathering as well as 4 key strategies for clarifying your goals and building a plan to achieve them.
Then everyone will have the chance to post some dreams of their own and encourage other dreamers too.