Odds working against one's dreams

Every human on earth has dreams—some big, some small. Dreams fuel hope, inspire action, and drive purpose. Yet, the path to realizing those dreams is not the same for everyone. Despite motivation, hard work, and determination, the starting point in life plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory and chances of success. The circumstances you are born into—whether in a first-world country, a developing nation, or an underdeveloped part of the world—inevitably influence how far and how fast you can chase your dreams.

Society often assigns unequal value to lives based on geography and privilege, and unfortunately, the same disparity applies to dreams. For someone born into the comfort of a developed nation, the barriers to success are significantly lower. Access to quality education, a safe home, proper nutrition, and a supportive environment provide a sturdy foundation. Challenges like securing basic resources, reliable transportation to school, or healthcare—things that might seem minor in developed countries—are daily struggles in less privileged parts of the world.

Recently, I had the privilege of teaching English to a group of 60 students. Among them was a girl who proudly demonstrated her homework assignment. The task was simple: introduce yourself in English using at least five sentences. She began with confidence, a spark in her eyes, and ended her presentation with a statement that left me speechless: "I aim to become a doctor."

Her conviction was palpable. Those words carried no hesitation, only determination. In that moment, I felt an undeniable connection. We share a dream—a dream of academic success and a desire to study medicine. But then it struck me: her journey will be far more difficult than mine. Her starting line is much farther back, and the odds stacked against her are staggering.

She must navigate barriers I’ve never had to face: limited resources, fewer opportunities for guidance, and a lack of educational infrastructure that supports her aspirations. The same dream we share demands a level of perseverance from her that I can only imagine.

That realization keeps me awake at night. What more can I do to help her and the countless others in similar situations? How can I, through Empower Futurewave Foundation, work harder to break down the barriers standing in the way of their dreams?

Empower Futurewave Foundation exists to address these disparities. We strive to level the playing field by providing underprivileged children with access to education, resources, and support systems. We believe that a dream is a dream, no matter where it’s born, and that every child deserves a fair shot at realizing it.

But there is still so much more to be done. Beyond providing resources and mentorship, we must advocate for systemic change—raising awareness, fostering partnerships, and mobilizing communities to create equitable opportunities.

To the girl who dreams of becoming a doctor: I see you, I believe in you, and I will work tirelessly to remove the odds working against your dream. Because your dream, like every dream, matters.

Ari Shah, Founder @ Empower Futurewave Foundation