“Dream big,”  said Melinda Doolittle who knows that little dreams become big realities.  The third runner-up on the sixth season of the hit show, American Idol, Doolittle shared stories, songs and advice with Goodwill summer students in the Training for Retail Associate Certification program, or TRAC.

“The fact that I went on a show like American Idol happened because I had a dream and wanted something so bad that I didn’t stop until it happened,”  she told the teens.  “So that’s what I’m here to encourage you to do.  Dream and it will come true.”

Doolittle shared stories of her days on American Idol just one day before the show’s tenth season kicked off auditions at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.  “I shook like a leaf behind the scenes because I was nervous.  But when I stepped out on that stage I gave it all I had.”  

That trait served the singer well even before her American Idol fame.  A Nashville native, she went to Belmont College.  During a chat with the students, who are learning job readiness skills and are preparing to enter the workforce, Doolittle talked about her first job.

“I wanted to work in Belmont Central, an on-campus office.  The most important thing I did was show up on time, and show up ready.  I have to represent myself well.  I dressed nicely.  I wanted to be professional.  I said I was willing to learn whatever you’re willing to teach me.  I got my job on the spot and worked there while I was at Belmont.”

During her season on the show, the charity, Idol Gives Back, was introduced.  Doolittle became involved with the organization, Malaria No More, traveled to Africa with former first lady, Laura Bush, and helped raise more than $1 million for the charity.  Her advice to the students,  “Do something to make a difference.  If there’s anything I can tell you it’s that when you achieve your dreams, figure out now how you can make a difference for your community and get involved.”

As for American Idol judge, Simon Cowell, Doolittle had only nice things to say.  “Simon is my favorite judge and I will miss him on the show.  He was always honest and when he critiqued us it’s because he knew we could do better.”  

Today Doolittle is writing songs for her second CD and traveling the country with her band.  “I sang with the Boston Pops and I’m about to sing at Carnegie Hall.  I’m proof that you can dream as big as you want and dreams do come true.”

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