Each person was asked three very simple questions: what did you want to be when you grew up; who is your hero and what is your dream for yourself? We simply wanted to find out more about you. To take a snapshot, as it were, of what you wanted for yourself, what you are now and your dreams of tomorrow. No political rhetoric. Just simple truths. In listening to all these diverse voices -- from Telipok in Sabah to Lunas in Kedah -- we found out some very interesting things. Teachers make a big impression on us as children, so much so that 13 out of the 51 people we spoke to wanted to be teachers when they were kids! Perhaps the authorities should take note of this and ensure only the best teachers work in our schools. After all, they influence children and very often inspire them to turn their lives around. It was also very heart-warming to see how many of us think of our parents as our heroes. Many of those interviewed recognise and are aware of how hard their parents work so they can have better lives. Then there were the wonderful childhood dreams of becoming pilots, policemen, firemen... my favourite is the Buddhist monk in Kelantan who loved big trucks as a child and tried to be a tractor operator but was rejected because he was too skinny! Many still see former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a hero. They recognise him for making Malaysia visible to the world. After all, he did helm our country for 22 years which is a large chunk of the country's 50 years. The most interesting thing though is what these 51 people dream for themselves. To be financially stable, to have a house, to have their children lead an easier life than the one they are living now. Nothing abstract. This is your dream. This is Malaysia's dream. * This was a joint project by The Malay Mail and The Malay Mail Online.