Today we’d like to introduce you to Dream Smith.
Hi Dream, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Dream Smith and I am a local in the city. I was born and for the most part raised in Savannah Ga. I started this organization a year ago with a group of friends to help uplift the youth through literacy in the neighborhood I grew up in. The name of our organization is Book Nation Of Dreamers Inc. Our mission is to promote, provide and encourage our children to read! In addition, we are creating programs geared toward literacy and life skills. The community we service is an impoverish Black community. 98% of the children are Black and 89% either cannot read or are not reading to their grade level with little to no comprehension skills as well. Because reading is the foundation to learning, it is imperative that we keep our children encouraged understanding the value of reading. So far we have distributed well over 2,000 books to the children in the community and surrounding communities we service. Having books in the home motivates children to read. Children who have books in the home are more subject to do at least 2 years of college or self teach themselves new skills. We have also partnered with many organizations such as the Savannah Fire Department who was so gracious to build us several lending libraries. We were able to place these libraries in the inner city communities so that children and families always have access to books.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road along the way. Some of the challenges faced was actually during the beginning, as I was starting and building the organization, my dad literally was transitioning. It was a really difficult time in my life. I had a routine. I would go to the hospital to spend time with my dad then work on Book Nation or vice versa. Book Nation was my baby and I knew it was going to be something great. However, knowing that my dad and I were on limited time made it extremely hard to be excited. One of my fondest memories which I am so grateful for was the last day I was able to spend with him. I can remember it like yesterday. I sat there in the hospital room all day. There were several doctors who came in and pretty much told me that this was the end.
At this time, my dad was unconscious and unalert. Meanwhile, Book Nation was really beginning to take off. I had several pictures of donations, merchandise and all that I had achieved so far. I remember speaking with my dad and sharing the pictures as well. You won’t believe this, but out of nowhere my dad became extremely alert! He started talking and telling me how proud he was reminding me of all the plans I wanted to do and was going to do with the organization. He was so into it that in that moment, I felt like no, he’s not dying, he’s conscious and alert! His memory is great! He’s telling me everything I shared years ago and current information. It really gave me hope. The next day he passed. I was so sad but so happy because I took it as confirmation. I knew it was going to be something great but that ensured it. I was so glad to be able to share my progression and goals with him. I love and miss him dearly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Well, I went to college for dentistry as well early childhood education. I’ve always loved children and enjoyed working with them as well. It was working in dentistry as a Pediatric dental assistant is when I first realized I should be doing so much more with the children. Children would come in for cleanings and I would find myself often counseling and mentoring my patients. This inspired me to go back to school for early childhood education. After completing that program, I was able to work with several educators and children at different learning facilities. I worked both as a Pediatric dental assistant and early childhood educator for a few years until I went back to bartending. Though I loved working with the children and building relationships with the families, I needed more financial support. Bartending was also great for me because, it allowed me to promote and share Book Nation of Dreamers as well. One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to turn tragedy into triumph.
When I started the organization it was during the pandemic. Everyone’s world was flipped upside down tremendously! Including mine! Death is hard on its own. But to be able to create a cause so great and beneficial for our overall future while enduring pain is a level of endurance that only one going through it could understand. The thing thats sets me apart from many is that I am determined to make positive change. Not only do I work at bettering my community, I also work at bettering myself by learning new skills and information to be able to better assist others. It is in me to be of service to the people and create change.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The qualities and characteristics that is most important for success is the ability to believe in yourself as well as your dream. The ability to push through even when you’re faced with personal issues or adversities. Understanding the bigger picture and turning negative into positive.
Contact Info:
- Website: booknationofdreamers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booknationofdreamers/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Booknationofdreamers/
Image Credits
Stephan Turner
