A Step Of Faith By Shana Williams 908201

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?”

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 every 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 with no degree. I wanted to make the transition. I just didn’t know how.

Then, right in 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 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 by 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 an 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

This narrative essay by Shana Williams vividly illustrates her journey of perseverance, faith, and aspiration as she aspires to further her education at Empire State College. Her story is a compelling reflection on how metaphorical stairs represent her personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and embracing opportunities despite uncertainties. This analysis explores Williams’ life trajectory, her struggles and triumphs, and the significance of her dream to pursue higher education as a pathway to stability and self-fulfillment.

Williams begins by recounting a dream where she stands before an enormous staircase, symbolizing life's challenges and opportunities. Despite the daunting height and narrowness of the steps, she decides to proceed through faith rather than fear. With each step, she envisions a future marked by academic achievement and professional success, including college graduation and a career in filmmaking. This dream metaphor powerfully encapsulates her approach to life: overcoming obstacles through courage and determination, trusting that each step brings her closer to her goals.

Her personal journey is deeply intertwined with her career aspirations. Having spent five years working in film and television, Williams faced the realization that her lack of formal education limited her professional growth. Her desire to transition into directing prompted her to pursue academic credentials, which she recognized as vital for credibility and stability. Her educational pursuits, including returning to Mercy College and engaging in creative projects like a public service announcement, demonstrate her proactive approach to building her skill set and reputation within her chosen field.

Williams’ narrative also highlights her resilience as she navigates significant life events, such as motherhood. Her pregnancy created financial instability, prompting her to seek a more secure career path through education. Her perseverance in balancing personal responsibilities and academic pursuits reflects her commitment to her dreams. Her prior academic achievements, from overcoming reading difficulties as a child to progressing in high school, illustrate her lifelong dedication to self-improvement and growth.

Her decision to pursue higher education at Empire State College symbolizes a pivotal step in her journey of self-actualization. Williams envisions her educational pursuit as an extension of her life’s staircase—a pathway toward stability, professional fulfillment, and the realization of her artistic aspirations. Her story underscores the importance of faith, persistence, and strategic planning in transforming dreams into reality. Her narrative is inspiring, emphasizing that taking calculated risks and remaining committed to one’s goals can lead to meaningful life changes.

In conclusion, Williams’ story exemplifies the power of taking a leap of faith when facing life's uncertainties. Her metaphor of the staircase serves as a compelling reminder that growth often requires stepping into the unknown with courage and hope. Her professional background, personal resilience, and unwavering determination reveal that education can be a transformative tool for achieving one's dreams. Her journey encourages others to trust their instincts, embrace challenges, and move forward with confidence, knowing that each step—though sometimes unsure—leads to a higher, more fulfilling destination.

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