Dreams Really Do Come True!
As I gleaned out into the bleakness of winter, all I felt was heartbreak and misery. I needed hope for the magical feeling of sunshine and tortured skin. As I started daydreaming about warmth and summer love, I decided my best option was to confront the beasts or better known as my parents. As I pondered what I would say and how I would present my feelings of seasonal depression to my parents all I could think about were the crystal blue waves of Hawaii, I knew at that moment that was my escape to paradisal excitement. I had my plan down now all I needed was a way to implement it. I know I needed to show raw emotion, provide facts, and effectively show my authority. As I planned for the big day, I first needed to get back up, my two annoying sisters, not saying this is good backup but it is still better than nothing. I highlighted my plan and the way we were going to effectively persuade them, as we prepared for the big day butterflies ran throughout my whole body.
The depressing winter in Pennsylvania
“Mom, Dad come down here,” I screamed. “We are coming,” my Dad yelled back. As my whole blonde haired blue eyed family made their way down to my window lit living room with ceilings higher than you can imagine, I knew I was going to feel one of two ways, sad or extremely happy. As my parents sat down on the stained grey sofa I knew my time was now. I had to effectively convince them that Hawaii was the vacation destination. I had to show my authority over them by being well prepared to discuss my logic and emotions on my feelings about Hawaii. “I am depressed,” I screamed to my family. “I am sorry to hear that,” my dad sneered back at me sarcastically. As the tears flowed down my face I whined about my seasonal depression, I begged that I needed a vacation away from the white powder and frigid temperature. I explained the depressing feeling of waking up at 7am every morning (ew) to attend pointless classes, I needed an escape desperately. “Mom, you need a break from the gross hospital,” I shouted. “I always need a break from there Annabelle,” she proclaimed. “Then let’s go,” I exclaimed. They still were not fully convinced, so plan b was put into action.
A picture I used to convince my parents.
Of course I had a plan b how dumb would I be without a plan b, I set up a PowerPoint full of facts and pictures. I specifically researched the island of Maui, I created a list of resorts including the costs and benefits of each one. I also highlighted everything we could do for example surfing lessons, zip lining, and the famous Road to Hana. I also included reviews of people’s great experience in Hawaii, many people described it as the “best experience of their lives.” “I am impressed Annabelle,” my dad remarked. “Thank you, so does that mean we can go?” I questioned. “I will think about it,” he remarked. Are you serious? I thought to myself, all this hard work has gone to waste and I was left feeling more upset than before. That night I fell asleep dreaming of the cool breeze at the beach in Hawaii, manifesting my dream to come true.
Picture of a stand outside the Road to Hana.
The waterfalls at the Road to Hana
A beautiful sunset taken on top of a mountain in Hawaii.
The next morning I woke up feeling defeated, another cold winter morning in Pennsylvania but something was different, a feeling of hope sprang throughout my house. As I made my way downstairs I knew something was up. Both my parents were downstairs in the kitchen whispering about something. As I hid behind the corner of the wall hoping to listen to their conversation, my cover was blown when my sister screamed in my ear hoping to scare me, obviously it did not work but of course she blew my cover. “Girls, we need to talk to you,” my parents announced. We all came running to the cold hardwood floor in the kitchen. “What’s up,” we responded. “Your mom and I were thinking that Hawaii would be the perfect vacation for us,” my dad happily stated. My heart stopped at that moment. I was truly speechless, my hard word actually paid off. “Yay, we love you,” my sisters and I screamed. “We love you too girls,” my parents proclaimed. My dreams were finally coming true and my seasonal depression was soon coming to an end!
As I prepared for my upcoming trip to Hawaii, I was so fascinated by the fact that I was able to convince my parents to take us on my dream vacation. As the day swindled down and I spent money on new clothes for the trip, I was so excited to have the opportunity to go to Maui. The 4am wake up call was a bit challenging but it was definitely worth it. After two long flights we arrived in Paradise, everything was like a fake reality, it felt too good to be true. As we stepped foot into the resort they handed us fresh flower leis, it was truly nothing I have ever experienced before. My hard convincing was paid off with sunshine and lukewarm water. We were able to go to all the places I recommend like the Road to Hana, where we went cliff jumping, the next destination was surfing lessons which were by far the best decision. I am so happy that I was able to experience all these amazing memories and events.
My flight to Hawaii!
This trip taught me so many things, like for example you can do whatever you put your mind to. Whether it is convincing your parents to take you on a trip or pursuing your dreams I know that something as small as a trip should not be compared to huge accomplishments but this trip truly felt like a huge accomplishment. I am glad I was able to learn that going after what you want is one of the best things you can do to better yourself and the people around you. I am so glad I had this opportunity. I hope that you too will have the chance to persuade someone to let you do something that you are passionate about whether it be a trip or just something that means a lot to you. Go after your dreams and never look back.
More photos from my dream trip!
