Ep 1. I Dream

I Dream is the premiere episode of PBS American Portrait, a new series that explores the diversity and complexity of the American experience through the personal stories of everyday people across the nation. In this episode, we hear from individuals who share their hopes and dreams for the future, and reflect on how their personal experiences have shaped their aspirations.

The episode begins with a young girl named Savannah, who dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. We see her practicing ballet in her bedroom, and hear from her mother about the sacrifices she has made to support Savannah's passion. We also meet Rachel, a young woman who left her family in Mexico to pursue a better life in the United States. Rachel dreams of becoming a nurse, and as she works long hours at a factory to support herself, she reflects on the challenges she has faced along the way.

We also hear from John, a farmer in rural Tennessee who dreams of passing down his family's land and traditions to his children. John shares his love of farming and the importance of preserving his way of life. Meanwhile, we meet Lee, a retired nurse in New York City who dreams of traveling the world. Lee reflects on the joys and challenges of her career, and looks forward to the adventures that await her in her retirement.

Throughout the episode, we also hear from a diverse range of voices sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. From a young girl who dreams of becoming president to a college student who dreams of ending poverty, these individuals offer a glimpse into the aspirations of people across the country.

One of the unique aspects of PBS American Portrait is that viewers are invited to submit their own stories to the project, and several segments in the episode feature user-generated content. These stories offer a glimpse into the hopes and dreams of people from all walks of life, and serve as a reminder of the power of personal narrative to connect us to one another.

At its heart, I Dream is a celebration of the human spirit and our collective capacity to dream and aspire. From young ballerinas to retired nurses, from farmers to college students, the episode offers a diverse range of perspectives on the power of hope and the importance of following our dreams. Through their personal stories, these individuals remind us of the richness and complexity of the American experience, and the boundless potential of the human spirit.