A Step Of Faith By Shana Williams

A Step Of Faithby Shana Williamsone Night I Had The Most Horrific Dre

A Step of Faith by: Shana Williams One night I had the most horrific dream. I was at the biggest case of stairs I had ever seen in my life. Each step seemed to measure about 1 feet tall, very translucent and not all that wide. I spent most of my time measuring the steps with my eyes because although they seem to be so tall in height, they were quite narrow. So I thought to myself, “narrow-wide stairs? How could this be?” Pacing back and forth, I thought to myself, "if you do this, you could fall." So I did a hand test. I placed my hand on the first step. It did nothing. So I thought at that moment, what did I have to lose?

So I decided to take a step on faith. I gathered up all my strength and took my first step. As my foot landed on the step, I could see some of my future in that very vivid step. I saw myself at a college or university. That indeed made me smile.

Made me smile so much that I was ready to take the next step. So I did. The second step transpired visuals of me graduating. My eyes began to widen. I got so excited, but even though I got very excited, I reminded myself that I had to take my time so I wouldn't tire out.

The more steps I took, the more I realized how much of a future there is for me if I just take the first step of faith. With each step being a surprise, I realized that I may not know what the future entails, but I never will if I let life scare me out of accomplishing my dreams. Applying to Empire State College is a part of that dream. I've spent the last five years living some of my dream.

I've had the blessing of working in film and television for many successful TV shows, commercials, and movies. Although I was receiving work, I had no skill set to become a director. I worked on sets being a production assistant. However, I realized that I had no validity behind what I could do without a degree. I wanted to make the transition.

I just didn't know how. Then, right at the end of the beginning of my new career, I had my son Miles. I was happy about it, but I realized that I had nothing to fall back on. No degree left me unemployed during a high-risk pregnancy. This is what I feared most: not being able to take care of my son. I then realized that I could no longer have the luxury of working when I wanted, taking breaks from two months of work to do what I wanted, working 18-hour day shoots. I needed stability.

I needed validity behind my name. So I went back to school. Going back to Mercy College was good. I got back into the momentum of a structured routine. The online classes were convenient, but something was missing. The school didn't offer my expertise: Film. Although Mercy didn’t offer my major, I kept myself busy creating my own projects. I wrote and directed a public service announcement to encourage women and girls to pursue filmmaking as careers. I received wonderful feedback and won second place in the Made In NY Film Festival, but because I can never be satisfied with life, I wanted more.

You see, just as before, I have realized the importance of the staircase. I realized that in life, sometimes you have to make things work. I was once a 11-year-old who was a few years behind in her reading, but did the work. I pushed myself so hard that I became an advanced English student by the time I reached high school. I was once a young woman who moved to New York with two hundred dollars to her name and all she had was a dream to make profound films that would make people think. I am her. I am all of these things. So now I am here.

As I write this essay, I think of the staircase. The staircase with Empire State College being a wonderful addition to the life that I have been given.

Paper For Above instruction

Shana Williams’s narrative is a compelling testament to the power of faith, determination, and resilience in pursuit of personal and professional growth. Her vivid recounting of a dream involving a towering staircase symbolizes her journey through life's obstacles towards her aspirations, notably her desire to pursue higher education at Empire State College. This essay explores her pathway from a challenging childhood and a career in the film industry to overcoming personal hardships, returning to academia, and aspiring to refine her craft through formal education. Williams exemplifies how taking "a step of faith" can lead to unexpected yet rewarding future possibilities, resonating with universal themes of hope, perseverance, and the importance of continual self-improvement.

In her dream, the steps—tall, narrow, yet translucent—serve as metaphors for life's uncertainties and hurdles. Her decision to step forward despite fear underscores a vital message: progress often requires courage to face the unknown. Her visualizations of college, graduation, and career milestones reflect her ambition and her recognition that academic validation can bolster her creative endeavors. Williams's journey is marked by proactive efforts to bridge gaps in her skills—initially working in the entertainment industry without formal qualifications, then returning to education amidst personal challenges such as pregnancy and unemployment.

Her experience highlights the transformative impact of education as both a means of stability and a tool for self-actualization. Although Mercy College provided her with a foundation, she sought opportunities beyond the structured curriculum—creating projects, winning awards, and advocating for women and girls in filmmaking. These accomplishments demonstrate her commitment to her craft and her recognition that continuous growth is essential. Her move from working on set to conceptualizing and directing projects underscores her proactive approach to career advancement.

Williams’s narrative also emphasizes resilience in the face of adversity. Moving to New York with limited resources and dreaming of making impactful films required immense perseverance. Her pursuit of higher education is not just a personal goal but a strategic step to gain the credentials and legitimacy necessary to succeed in her field. Her aspiration to study at Empire State College aligns with her broader life philosophy: sometimes, one must take a leap of faith to realize their potential. The story serves as a motivational blueprint for those battling doubts and setbacks, demonstrating that faith, coupled with effort, can turn dreams into reality.

Finally, her reflection on the significance of life’s "staircase" encapsulates her life philosophy: progress may be slow or uncertain, but each step is an opportunity for growth. Her ambition to enhance her skills and achieve her filmmaking dreams through Empire State College illustrates her understanding that education is a vital component of her journey. Her story encourages aspiring students to embrace life's challenges with confidence, knowing that each step taken in faith can lead to a fulfilling and successful future.

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