Dragon’s Journey
by Dragon Scales, HSM guest contributor
Greetings, friends. My name is Dragongscales. I am a Homeling. <bows>
Some might know me already from the article, How Home Helps Those With Learning Disabilities. This is the story of my path as a Homeling. As I said in the previous article, I have some disabilities. But I don’t let that stop me. It is no curse, but a blessing. I am not a person to feel sorry. A couple of wise friends told me not to make your disabilities an excuse. You are no less for having them.
Entering my journey
It was a long road on my journey. The first time I entered Home was June 28th of 2011. Like all new Home users, I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off. Then I ran into two beings named Queen_Eli and EndlessDream. They are Homelings. They told me what Homelings are about. EndlessDream invited me to join the Homeling Collective, but first I had to think about it. This was all new. I gave it some time and decided to join. Next I got the Echochrome suit from the Echochrome arcade game in the Bowling Alley. As I stood there in my new Echo suit, I felt my DNA change. My Homeling journey had just started. On August 1st, I was Assimilated by EndlessDream and became a Newling. EndlessDream became a great friend, and was the first to see the fire in me. I was far from seeing it in myself at the time.
Dragon as a Newling
Little I knew then how the Collective would impact me, and change me forever.
But it was not a simple journey. Meanwhile, I had joined other group that was not good for me. They did not care for me, and used me. All the leader cared about was to take out other fams and recruiting. My friends opened my eyes, and I left the bad group.
Homelings are One, and their rules are Respect and Fun. They are not out there to be better than others, or take out other groups. Homelings are not a fam, but a Collective, working together as friends in Home. As time moved forward, I gave my full attention to the Homelings. We care about each other, and we are there for each other.
Dragon fights inner bad thoughts
At the time of my young homeling self, I had doubts. Did the ‘Lings really like me? I worried about what others thought. And I was trying too hard. One wise Homeling told me this: “How do you want others to see you? Dragon enters, and it’s Hey look, it’s Dragon, the fun guy, or Ooh it’s that down Ling. No one would like to hang with you if you act like that.” My friend was right.
Dealing with trolls
I had my weakness, and was working hard to get better. One weakness was how to deal with trolls. I had a hard time knowing how to deal with them, when I was being called cancer patient and retard. It really got to me, until I learned from my Commander at the time, BigArRazorback. He stood face to face with the harsh trolls. It was bad. He could choose to act bad back, but he stood his ground and showed Homeling respect. In the end, he gained respect from the trolls. You can say I learned from the best.
A couple of times I have gotten hammered by trolls. Humans are so silly! When I get attacked, I look back and think what my Commander would do, and remember what he did that day.
Dragon and BigArRazorback
Ranks
As my still new journey continued, I started to notice rank within the collective. I was trying too hard once again — trying to get noticed, and doing too much. Like making a lot of events in one week. But little I knew I was seeking rank. Well, it looked that way to others. My Commander pulled me aside and explained this to me. I did not mean to seek rank. In the Homelings, rank will seek you.
One of my great weaknesses is being misunderstood. It makes it harder at times. Then a wise friend, Lil_Wench, told me, “You don’t need a title or rank to make you a good Ling.” Wench is a wise and great person. She was always there for me, and saw the fire within me.
Homelings have rank to keep things in order. No Homeling is better than any other. From Newling to General, we are all equal. I was blessed with so many friends to help me understand this. And some saw the fire in me before I saw it myself.
First offer of officer
Fast forward. I grew more in understanding. My DNA was changing. Then my Commander came to me with an offer to train me for Subcommander. At the time, I thought I was ready. I was so pumped! But then I got myself in trouble. Commander BigA talked to me. My training was put on hold. I understood, and I had to face it, move on, and learn from it. But don’t get me wrong — I was feeling down and sad. The next day on the Fluidic Space website, my commander got hold of me and talked to me. He told me to not give up. “Keep your head up. You’re doing great.” BigA saw the fire in me. He is a great Commander, and very wise. I have learned a lot from him. He was there for me, and became a great friend.
Dragon and Lil_Wench
Others stood by my side and cheer me on, talked to me and gave me hope. Friendship is very important in the Collective. We all care, and are there for each other.
There are a lot of wise Lings out there I learned from. Like kozfear, phats, Outwest, Nos, Seal, GlowingMickeyVan, Queen_Eli, and so many others. I could go on and on, with so many that helped me through this journey.
My journey takes a turn
Some months passed, and I was hanging with a Commander at the time. He caught me off guard and offered me training. I was not sure what to do. He said he would take care of it. I was not sure how this would go, since my training was on hold. What would happen?
Days later, I learned that Generals’ Council (GC) was having talks about this. There were concerns, and questions if I could do this. I understood the reason. So I waited. Two weeks passed. It felt like months. Then, one day I learned from some Generals that I was approved to be trained, but by another Homeling who had just become a Commander. This was Dizney_Princess.
Dragon and Dizney_Princess
My mentor Dizney
Dizney is a wonderful and epic person. We were already friends. She was always there for me. Like others, Dizney saw the fire within me, but she also saw something bigger. Now she is my mentor. Little I knew how important she would be to me on my journey. She was the best possible mentor for me.
Training was a blast. I will remember this forever. We would role play, she gave me tests, and I even trained a teddy bear. She really knew how to help me understand and help me grow. Dizney was by my side through good and tough times. She is still there to this day. She kicks my butt as well if I need it. Can you say “evil avatar Dizney”? She really knew how to get me out of a slump.
Then on February 22, 2012 I became Subcommander of Homeling MotherShip 34. But this was just getting started. I learned to be a good officer through Dizney and others I look up to, like BigA. A month later, I became Chief Subcommander of the ship.
As time passed being an officer, I started to learn that some don’t think I can do this. Even one said I became Chief to fast. I don’t know who said it, but was was just “hearing through walls,” you might say. But I understand the reason. I have disabilities. Like I said before, my friends saw the fire in me, and now I had started to see it too. And the fire was growing. I was out to prove I can be as good as anyone else. For the first time, I felt equal in the Collective.
I have earned respect and even changed the minds of some that doubted me. I know it was nothing personal. They have to think what’s best for the Collective.
You also start to see who your true friends are. They are cheering for you, and stand by your side through thick and thin. I don’t know if some of my friends know how important they have been, and how they had a impact on me. They have helped me to be a better person and Homeling. I am thankful to have their friendships.
Dragon and Potradamus
But a huge wall stood in front of me. One day my Commander called for me and wanted to talk about something important. Dizney told me to send in a Commander application to the Generals’ Council. I was shocked. Was I ready? Dizney told me that she saw the fire in me, and felt that she was holding me back. I told her she was not. She helped me see what I can really do, and is a big part of who I am today.
So I did send a application, and within two days I was declined. But am glad that happened. I was not ready, but something bigger was about to happen. Things were about to take another turn. Everything has a purpose through the doors that close. Because other doors will open.
General Potradamus sees the fire within Dragon
On August 8, 2012, Potradamus, a General and the Commander of MotherShip 15, asked me to get on Home. I was like, why does a General want to see me? So I jumped on and talked to Potra. He told me, I have been watching you. I remember weeks before he was at my Assimilations, and was hanging with me and Diz. So we continued talking. Potra offered me the post of Chief on MS15, and to be the acting Commander. He said he will mentor me, teach me and show how to command a ship. I was in shock. I asked that we talk to Dizney. We did, and she approved. I took the offer.
Gathering of Ages
So I began this new path, learning the ropes. Potra has really taken me under his wing. But this was no easy path. It was the biggest step I ever took. And I still had some doubt that I could command. I had to face tough challenges in my path. I made mistakes, since at the time I had trouble thinking before I acted, and keeping business separate from personal feelings.
To be a good officer, it’s very important to think before you act, and not take things personally as Commander. Potra was really patient and understanding with me. He believed in me. I have learned so much from him, and we became great friends. He is a very wise and smart General. Potra never gave up on me.
Dragon takes full command
On June 8 2013, ten months later, the Homelings held a huge event — the Gathering of Ages, GOA. We were in the Sodium Training space, and the Generals were speaking to the assembled Homelings. Then Potra called me to join them on the Rock. I was in shock. Why was he calling me? I played it smooth, but I was like “OMG!” in my head.
A Homeling Commander!
Potra announced that he was stepping down as Commander of MS15 and offered the command to me. I took the keys of the MotherShip. And now I am a Commander. It was a night to remember, that’s for sure.
I sit here and write this story. How far I have come in my journey. It takes time and effort. And my friends had such a big impact on me. I thank you all.
Never stop believing. Push forward and do your best. Nothing is impossible.
And always have fun in the process.
June 25th, 2013 by dragonGscales | 14 comments
greetings follow friends :)
my name is dragon, i love to draw, write, play sports, be with my friends, familey and my sweet girlfriend. am a homeling, very exsiteing indeed, :) great to meet you and be on home magazine :) i hope ur day is well and be safe, bows :)
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We are so very, very proud of Dragon. To be honest, I badgered him into writing this piece. And he came through like a champ. Go, Dragon!
Ty ma.am ^_^ bows
A bit of badgering is always a good thing. It gets people to accomplish something they might not have realized they were capable of accomplishing.
Indeed . I had a lot of those an some chewing on the arms too lol. But it got the point across who told me. at times i had my troubles understanding or in simple tearm “slow” lol but sooner or later i Catch up an understand more. Thankfull for the patent of my friends an understanding ^_^
It is always a great treat for me to see how Home has helped someone step outside of what they have been told by society all of their lives and become more than they had dreamed possible. You see, many people just don’t get how much Home means to so many, and not all of them are damaged or disabled either.
I have had a life that has been hard at times like most people, but never had to face what many of the people in Home have had to deal with all of their lives.
My hat is off to you Dragon! Keep doing what you have been doing and most of all enjoy it along the way as you become stronger with the help of those who care for you.
^_^ bows
Grand story and well written article, Dragon!
Am proud of the accomplishments of both the Collective and yourself. Both have overcome many obstacles, and both have risen to the occasion time and again.
The Homeling Collective is WIN. YOU are WIN.
It is an honour and a privilege to be your friend
*deep bow*
Bows ^_^
I have long said that Homeling officers lead by example. How else can one lead, in a virtual world?
DragonGscales sets an excellent example for other Homelings, and this, more than anything else, is what makes him a great officer. He is always willing and eager to learn new things, even now that he’s a seasoned officer, and this too sets a great example for our Newlings and other officers alike. I am proud and honored to have him as a fellow Homeling and as a friend.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world. May it inspire others to seek out and join in Homeling Glory!
*bows*
^_^
When we are born into this amazing real world, we enter with no prejudices, egos or judgement. We enter with guidance, hope, dreams and trust.
This is the same way that Dragon entered the Homeling Collective; his wonder and respect have never diminished. We are very proud of you Dragon. Great article. *Salutes*
^_^ bows
Grand article Scales. Was a pleasure and honor for Potra to walk along this journey with you. Potra hopes this also will inspire others to never give up on their goals and dreams. With respect, kindness, and diversity all can make this a better place to reside.
Bows . ^_^