What if a dream wasn’t just a hopeful idea—but a plan waiting to be planted?

In our newest episode of What’s Your Shine? The Happy Podcast, we kick off our Dream Initiative series with a powerful reminder: dreams have the potential to reshape communities, but only if they’re planted and pursued with purpose.

Our guest, high school senior Santiago “Santi” Bryce, doesn’t just talk about this truth—he lives it. His story offers a masterclass in what happens when young people are given the platform, support, and space to turn dreams into real-world change.

The Power of a Planted Dream

“Dreams matter because they lead to action. Once I planted my dream, I started building the steps to make it real.“

Santiago’s words resonate far beyond the world of soccer, where his dream originated. They serve as a challenge to all of us—students, parents, educators, mentors, and nonprofit leaders—to ask: What are we doing to support the next generation of dreamers?

At House of Shine, we believe that everyone has a unique SHINE—made up of their Strengths, Hobbies, Interests, Irritants, Needs, and Experiences. When individuals discover their shine and align it with purpose, something powerful happens. But the key is moving from discovery to doing.

This is where the Dream Initiative comes in.

We’re not collecting dreams just for the sake of inspiration. We’re inviting people to plant them—to write them down, speak them out, and begin taking the first step. And Santi’s story illustrates why that step matters.

From Idea to Impact: The Journey of Soccer with Santi

As a freshman, Santiago entered House of Shine’s Change Bowl competition with a simple but meaningful vision: to start a free soccer camp for underserved kids in Grapevine, Texas. Armed with a $600 grant, he learned to budget, pitch his idea, and enlist help from vendors and volunteers.

But what happened next is where the real transformation began.

He returned the next year with a bigger vision: to turn the one-day camp into a full soccer league—complete with jerseys, referees, team brackets, crafts, popsicles, and memories that would last far beyond summer.

The difference? He had planted the dream. And once it was planted, it began to grow.

Santi’s leadership didn’t come from positional power or age—it came from clarity of purpose, empathy for the kids he was serving, and a belief that his voice and vision mattered. He not only built a program, he built community.

Belonging Begins with a Jersey

One of the most compelling parts of Santi’s story is his commitment to providing every child with a team jersey. To some, a shirt might seem like a small detail. But for many of these kids—some of whom had never been on a team or worn a uniform—it was a symbol of belonging.

Wearing a Soccer with Santi jersey meant they were part of something. They had a place. A role. An identity.

That’s the power of thoughtful leadership. It sees beyond logistics and into the emotional experience of the people being served.

When we create environments that foster inclusion, celebration, and community, we’re not just running programs—we’re changing lives.

From the Field to the Future: What Real Leadership Looks Like

Perhaps the most powerful part of Santiago’s journey is his understanding of what it means to lead.

He learned that leadership isn’t about holding onto control—it’s about giving it away. By involving the kids in designing their team logos, partnering with local teens through his Say So service organization, and inviting others into the work, he multiplied the impact of his dream.

Leadership, especially for young people, is often misunderstood. It’s not about being the loudest voice or the most polished speaker. It’s about being willing to act when others hesitate. It’s about asking the right questions, noticing what’s missing, and stepping up with solutions—even when you’re still learning.

Santi’s story reminds us that the future of leadership is collaborative, relational, and deeply rooted in purpose.

Why Dreams Need Soil: Building the Infrastructure for Youth-Led Change

One of Santiago’s biggest dreams now is to build a permanent soccer field right outside the apartment complex where many of the league’s players live. Why? Because access matters.

Most of the kids in his program come from single-parent households. Their parents often work long hours, and transportation to public fields—even just 10 minutes away—isn’t always possible. Having a dedicated, walkable space to play would radically increase participation, consistency, and safety.

This dream, like the league before it, is no longer just an idea. It’s becoming a blueprint. Santiago is reaching out to city officials, exploring grants, gathering community leaders on site, and planning for sustainability.

He’s already thinking about what happens after he leaves for college—who will take the baton, how the dream can outlive the dreamer.

That kind of thinking is exactly what the Dream Initiative is about. Not just planting ideas, but nurturing them with structure, support, and a long-term vision.

How You Can Support the Dreams Around You

Santiago’s story is special—but it’s not isolated. There are dreamers like him in every community. The question is: are we listening?

If you’re a parent: Ask your child, “What would you change in your community if you could?” Then help them take one small step toward it.

If you’re an educator: Consider how your classroom can become a greenhouse for ideas. What systems can you build that allow students to pitch, pilot, and reflect?

If you’re part of a nonprofit or business: Look for ways to partner with youth-led initiatives. Mentor. Sponsor. Share your expertise. Make space.

And if you’re someone with a dream still stuck in your head or heart: write it down. Plant it in our International Dream Garden. Let it become something real.

Because as Santiago reminded us:
“Dreams matter because they lead to action.”

Final Thoughts: Every Dream Deserves a Start

At House of Shine, we believe the best way to brighten the world is by helping people discover who they are and why their contribution matters. The Dream Initiative is our invitation for people of all ages to turn intention into impact.

Santiago’s story is a blueprint. But it’s also a spark.

What will you do with yours?