Episode 18: I Am the Dream: A Live Episode at the Ware Center

In this special LIVE keynote episode (filmed by We & Company), Dr. Amber Sessoms and her 10-year-old daughter Emma take the stage at the Millersville Ware Center in front of over 200 seventh-grade girls as part of the School District of Lancaster Teenage Empowerment Summit, founded by Mrs. Vondol Hammond. Together, they share stories, affirmations, and unfiltered wisdom on what it means to dream without limits, embrace identity, and rise with authenticity.

This episode is filled with laughter, vulnerability, generational truth-telling, and deep joy. Emma receives her first speaker check and shares her heart on art, courage, and why she wants to end bullying. It's a conversation you won't forget.

Chapters:

01:11 – Emma’s Dreams and Aspirations

04:07 – The Live Podcast Begins + Audience Energy

05:02 – What Is Freedom Dreaming?

14:23 – Balancing School, Rest, and Big Dreams

20:39 – Curiosity, Imagination, and Being a Perpetual Toddler

22:32 – Mindfulness & Belly Breathing with Emma

24:35 – Doubting Ourselves and Imposter Syndrome

28:45 – Embracing Authenticity, Identity, and Self-Belonging

31:40 – Emma’s Dream to End Bullying + Confidence Building

37:00 – Affirmations + The Call and Response: I Am the Dream Without Limits

Curiosity Card Prompts for Reflection:

* What do you think grown-ups forget about dreaming?

* What helps you stay connected to your imagination when life feels overwhelming?

* What are some of the voices that make you doubt your dreams?

* If your dream could change the world (even in a small way) what would that look like?

References

“You only are free when you realize you belong no place — you belong every place — no place at all.” —Maya Angelou

* Does Your Face Light Up? Toni Morrison on Oprah

* Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination by Robin D. G. Kelley

* The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves by Shawn A. Ginwright

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Connect with Me:

Instagram: @natural_inclination

Youtube: @naturalinclination

TikTok: Amber Sessoms

LinkedIn: Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, NCSP

Bluesky: @ambersessoms.bsky.social

Facebook: Natural Inclination

Website: www.aninclination.com

Like, Comment, Share, Engage
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would love these conversations. Engage with the Curiosity Cards and ask the youth in your life about their experiences because you might be surprised by what you learn. Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments or on social media using #LivingIn3DPower. And, don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for next week’s conversation!