Stories from Past Dare to Dream Grant Recipients

 

Shona, D2D '19

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Dream: Quintensive Chamber Music Camp
Hometown: Woodbury, MN

"The best part of my grant experience was knowing that despite not being able to afford to pay for the tuition of the camp, there was still a way for me to participate because of the Ann Bancroft Foundation. I feel so lucky, and grateful to have gone. It showed me that there's always a way to do what you love even if you think that it isn't possible. Because of the camp, I was able to discover things about music that I didn't even know existed. Being able to participate in playing my instrument with people who loved music as much as I did was a very enlightening, and enriching experience.”

 

Sugey, D2D '19

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Dream: Quantitative Reasoning Institute
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

"I wanted to participate in the Summer Quantitative Reasoning Institute because I always embrace a challenge. I had never done anything like this before. The Ann Bancroft Foundation impacted the way that I view my life after high school. I was at Carleton College for three weeks attending the Summer Quantitative Reasoning Institute. I learned a lot in my main course of Psychology of Numbers. I was able to conduct my own research and spent a lot of time in learning extensively. I gained a lot or learning strategies that I am now going to be able to use in school and in life."

Colibri, D2D '18

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Dream: Robotics
Hometown: St. Paul, MN

"I learned that I am capable of many things. I can help make a robot, I can present in front of judges and other teams... I am no longer afraid to try something new."

Colibri's advice for other Minnesota girls:

"Don't think your dream is impossible. If you want to be an engineer, scientist, or designer, do not let others tell you that you cannot achieve your dream. Don't be afraid to be unique because we were born to stand out."

Sydney, D2D '18

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Dream: School Trip to Washington D.C.
Hometown: Dodge Center, MN

Sydney was looking to pursue her dream of traveling with her 8th grade class to Washington D.C. to experience what it is like to travel and see new places.. 

"I learned about the past history of our country, equal rights, people impacting society, and being able to stand up for what we believe in. This experience changed my perspective of our history and society. The Color Purple was a fantastic play and the Holocaust touched many people's hearts."

Kjersten, D2D '18

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Dream: Music Trip to Europe
Hometown: Fountain, MN

In Summer 2018, Kjersten traveled to seven different countries with the Minnesota Ambassadors of Music. Peterson reflects on her time spent abroad:

“Traveling the world and playing music with a group of strangers was definitely a challenging experience for me. On the trip I became confident in my musical abilities and I am very proud of that. Before my trip I wouldn't have been able to say that I was proud of myself for something, but now I am able to say it with confidence, and that makese very happy.”

Lia, D2D '17

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Dream: Rotary Summer Youth Exchange
Hometown: St. Paul, MN

Lia’s dream is to one day have traveled all around the world to meet and connect with many people from different backgrounds and cultures. “I hope to have friends from around the world whom I can visit and have visit me,” Lia wrote in her ABF grant application in the spring of 2017.

“This experience made me think about how small things in a culture can be so different – things that I think are normal to me and life here in the US are not the same once you go outside of the country.”


Emma, D2D '16
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Dream: Welding classes
Hometown: Duluth, MN

"The Ann Bancroft Foundation has opened a world of opportunities for me. With the grant, I have participated in two after school programs, which have taught me how to weld and most importantly, how to have fun while welding.

Because of my experience and the skills I gained, I am in progress of pursuing a welding internship. I'm looking forward to where I will go from here."


Nkao, D2D '15nkao.jpg

Dream: Help Hmong girls ages 5-12 realize their goals, self-esteem, leadership
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Nkao had a dream of helping Hmong girls use their creativity to build their self-esteem and empower them to become great leaders. 

 “I felt empowered and proud helping girls my age feel like they are allowed to express their feelings without fear, that they can express what they want to be without anyone judging them. I felt like a leader myself. This experience has made a big difference in life by allowing me to use my creativity in art and giving back to my community through service and empowerment. I felt proud of what I was able to do for other girls. Without it, I would not be who I am today. ” 


Mabruka, D2D '14

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Dream: Become a writer
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Mabruka's dream is to continue her writing and share her story through poetry she has written. She wanted to use her grant to help her learn how to express herself and learn new techniques of writing creatively through writing classes. 

"I couldn't believe that the day had come when I could realize my dream. It was amazing and unimaginable. It opened a road for me and gave me a chance to reach what I have been striving for."