dream

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
~ Harriet Tubman

To me, that means we all have to start in our own backyard - within our community - the place in which we inhabit; the place where our dreams may be realized first. In my mind, there is no better way to effect change than through participation in civic life. I came to this realization first through my studies at Green Mountain College, where I was exposed to the principles of sustainability and taught the possibility of its integration within every aspect of our daily lives. And it was there, that I witnessed first hand the influence local people had on their community through government. This was where I had my "Yes! This is it!" moment. I didn't quite know at the time exactly what "it" was, but I eventually found myself in Buffalo, studying for a Masters in Urban Planning. Little did I know the path that decision would put me on would result in a career where I am able to be a dreamer, an agent of change, and a student of the world. Being an active, alert citizen of Keene is exciting and rewarding beyond words. I've been involved with civic life for nearly a decade now - both through work and as a an everyday girl in the world - and my experience has convinced me that if each of us does our part, we can set in motion forces that will create a wholesome, decent environment for all people, regardless of where that backyard may be located. My backyard has expanded beyond Keene, to the entire state of New Hampshire, to United States, and beyond to foreign countries. So dare to dream. And don't stop reaching for those stars. You, too, can change the world.

mikaela engert

dream. play. live. lead