Episode 18: I Am the Dream: A Live Podcast 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
15:46 – Introducing the 3D Power Tools Framework
20:39 – Curiosity, Imagination, and Being a Perpetual Toddler
22:32 – Mindfulness & Belly Breathing with Emma
23:26 – Recognizing Stress in the Body
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
Key Themes:
Freedom Dreaming as a practice of imagining what the world should be
Youth voice and leadership at every stage of development
Intergenerational healing through storytelling
Bravery in action — even when nervous
The power of affirmation, visibility, and voice
Curiosity Card Prompts for Reflection:
What do you think grown-ups forget about dreaming?
What made you stop dreaming for a while, and what brought it back?
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?
What do you say to yourself when things get hard, but the dream still matters?
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
Connect with Me
Instagram: @natural_inclination
Youtube: @naturalinclination
TikTok: Amber Sessoms
LinkedIn: Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, NCSP
Bluesky: @ambersessoms.bsky.social
Facebook: Natural Inclination
Substack: livingin3dpower.substack.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!
Living in 3D Pow
