I remember the first time I considered public office. I was in high school and I was obsessed with Barbra Streisand. I thought it was because I wanted to be an actress. Then, I realized what I really loved about her was her political activism. She seemed to care. People listened to her opinions on important issues.

Now, I realize that Barbra Streisand is a unique choice as a political role model but, hey, I was 15.

From that point forward, politics was a part of my life. I was a political science major in college and was a political activist for women's issues and income inequality. I went to law school not because I wanted to practice law but because I wanted to make laws.

I worked for campaigns. I worked in Congress. Always with the goal of someday running for office. 

However, the truth is I had a goal - I had a dream - but I didn't have a plan. I moved back to Kentucky. I had babies. I kept telling myself I was too young. I was too inexperienced. I suppose I was waiting to magically morph into this fantastic candidate people would pursue. 

Then I saw Raising Ms. President -an experience I've shared here before. Suddenly, everything was different. Suddenly, running for office wasn't a dream in the distance; it was a goal for which I needed to plan. 

As it turns out, Kentucky is a fabulous state to live in if you're a Democratic woman considering public office. I had heard about the Emerge Kentucky program - the premiere political training program for Democratic women - before but had put off looking into the program for a variety of reasons. It wasn't the right time. I had small kids. I wasn't "ready." 

With my newfound focus, I could no longer tolerate excuses. There is never a perfect time to pursue your dreams. It will always be hard. It will always be difficult. It will always be scary. That's how dreams work.

I applied for the program. I got in. I even received a scholarship. (Thanks, Kentucky Young Democrats!) Now, every month I travel all over the state of Kentucky to pursue my dream of running for public office. We've only met twice and it has already been one of the most incredible journeys of my life.

I still don't know when I'll run for public office but now I know I'll be prepared when that day comes. I'm no longer waiting for my dreams to come to me. Come hell or high water, I'm coming for them.

~ Sarah Stewart Holland