A Dream Deferred

A student realized that I have a gymnastics background, and she expressed her love for the sport. She was enthusiastic, but neither very knowledgeable nor experienced. She soon revealed that she is teaching herself. She went so far as to make an illustrated dictionary of what she knows and what she is working on (as "homework" on her own time). Gymnastics, at her level of interest, is not really a diy type of sport. Upon further conversation, I discovered that it is a resource issue.
I know of  a gym --my previous gym-- that is very reasonable in price and AMAZING at serving children interested in gymnastics and dance. I cannot say enough good things about this place, the people who work there, and what they do for children and the community.
I referred the student to this gym and passed on the contact information. I will probably cross the line and contact her family to see about collaborating to get her into a gym. With my contacts, I might be able to help her pursue her dream.
But what about the students whose dreams I have no experience pursuing? I have worked exclusively in Title 1 schools, and I see this often: a dream deferred for funds. Gymnastics is not an activity that can hold until she earns her own success. If her family finds me meddlesome or needs her income or help around the house, I can do no more.
I have not met many coworkers or training-mates in the field of education who would not do more for their students if they could. The driving goal of iheartteachers.org is to help teachers, and if helping students provides ease to their teachers, we are on it. We are the oxygen mask on the airplane. We are where teachers go for air first, where they can take care of themselves. However, teachers are often those special people who derive genuine pleasure from helping our students.
What do you wish you could do for your students? There is no judging here. Is there something unrelated to students that you wish for to help you rejuvenate or prepare? In the comment box below, write to tell us about your wishes. What dreams do you defer from lack of funds?