Toronto Teacher Mom: Heritage Education Funds

Little Kids, Big Dreams

A dream is a wish the heart makes. ~ Cinderella

When you're a kid, you have many wishes, many dreams. Whether it be to build a rocket ship and fly to the moon or to open up your very own pastry shop, nothing is impossible when you're three foot three. This is one of the reasons I enjoy teaching in an elementary school. I get to bare witness to hundreds of children as they reach for new heights and grow closer to their dreams, some bigger than others, but still wonderful all the same.

When you're a mom, you find your list of wishes and dreams becomes much longer. I will never forget that afternoon sitting in the school gym during my son's kindergarten graduation, listening to his classmates share their dreams for the future. When it was my son's turn at the mic, I awaited with baited breath, secretly hoping he would say, "When I grow up, I want to be a teacher just like my mommy." But given his obsession with cars, it was no surprise that he announced proudly, "I want to be a race car driver." Now, he talks about designing a futuristic car with an invisible shield and record-breaking speeds. Um, yeah. Fingers crossed he pursues a much safer career in engineering.

My daughter, on the other hand, has many interests and has mentioned several possible career choices over the last number of years. Once she even mentioned that she would like to become a teacher. (Insert tear drop here.) But now, she is pondering over a career as a dentist. Yet, when I ask her about her dreams, she does not hesitate for a second when she says she wants to perfect her skills as an artist and travel the world, visiting museums and seeking out inspiration for her art.

Whatever my children decide for their future, my only wish is that they are happy doing what they love. And that they don't venture too far from home. And that they'll eventually grant me grandkids. And that they're successful enough to buy a house big enough to accommodate a live-in granny. No pressure, though.

On a more serious note, I hope that they pursue a post-secondary education in their field of interest and can do so without student debts hanging over their heads. If dentistry and engineering are what truly appeal to my children, I cannot imagine the costs of their education. It is somewhat frightening, to be honest. I completed a four-year honours degree before obtaining a Bachelor of Education and, with a lot of help from my parents, I graduated without so much as a single student loan. But I had to work hard. In fact, I held up to three jobs simultaneously while attending university full-time.

Do I want my kids to do the same? Sure, it would be great for them to have a summer job and learn the value of a dollar but I would much rather they focus on their studies and excel to their fullest potential. This is why I feel it is important to invest in Canadian Registered Education Saving Plans for my children. As an RESP provider with over 50 years of expertise, Heritage Education Funds has been helping families save for their children’s post-secondary education since 1965.

My Little Dreamer Contest - Heritage Education Funds

To celebrate all of the kids who never stop dreaming and parents who support them, Heritage Education Funds is running a #MyLittleDreamer contest from June 15 to September 15. Parents can upload a short video of their child(ren) expressing what they want to be when they grow up for a chance to win amazing prizes, including a $5000 RESP and a $1500 iTravel2000 travel voucher!

Heritage Education Funds #MyLittleDreamer Contest Prizes

Plus, this Thursday will kick off the campaign with a #MyLittleDreamer Twitter party with celebrity guest (and Heritage Ambassador) Caroline Rhea. Be sure to RSVP to be eligible to win travel vouchers, gift cards, a Samsung tablet and more. Tweet you soon!

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Heritage Education Funds. Any opinions in this post are my own.