Contributed by Chelsea Palmer

To the graduating class of 2014,

We have arrived at the starting gate of the next chapter of our lives. Some of us know where we are headed: internships, graduate school or perhaps even Capital Hill (or Australia). Others will drive home for the summer with no certain direction.

Others will drive their old Chevys down old dirt roads toward home searching for the most appealing turnoff.

All I can say is to find a dream, something to believe in with every fiber of your being, every bone in your body.

I do not mean set a goal. I mean dream. There is a difference. A goal is merely a set date on a calendar by which to achieve something. A dream is an ambition, a vision for what is yet to come, something to drive and push you beyond your limits even when you feel like giving up.

When you do reach such a point, you have two choices: either give up or keep fighting for your dream. Do not let anyone bring you down. Yes, be realistic too, but keep dreaming. Keep believing. Keep fighting.

When you reach a goal, you often sit and think of and hope for more. These goals are necessary for creating a map toward that dream, but when you have a dream, those goals become stepping-stones. You begin feeling grateful for taking one step closer to that grand ambition. These milestones (your goals) turn into celebrations along the way.

When you have such a dream, I can promise that you will not feel bummed and wondering if this is all there is upon reaching a goal because you will know deep down that there is more to come.

One more thing: your dream must terrify you. I mean to say that your dream must be bigger than you. This must be true because you cannot reach this dream alone. We all need help along the way.

So Warriors, I challenge you to find a dream to believe in. But first you must believe in yourselves. Stay true to you. I wish you all the best, and just remember that your friends are always beside you on this journey we call life.

I’ll just say G’day for now. My flight for Sydney, Australia leaves real soon! Stay strong.