meow

On the summer afternoon after graduation, I sat on my bed listening to Nirvana on vinyl, fresh and green at 18. I looked around at the room that had come to define the last years of my childhood. Pictures I had torn from magazines and books were pasted together in a huge collage that masked the white walls of my bedroom. An organized barrage of lyrics, articles, photographs and drawings had come to occupy those once stark divisions. It was beautiful, because it was just like me. A methodical madness of everything I loved all in one.

It wasn’t until that moment I knew I would never be satisfied with just one area of interest to pursue as a career. I had to have it all. I knew I wanted to create a world within the range of the magazines and books that had inspired me for all of those years. Relatable and versatile in all subjects including life, pop-culture, history, photography, art, politics, and even science, working for or creating my own publication seemed like a perfect way to marry all my interests.

Today, I find myself today writing this essay as an editor and co-founder of my own online publication, a well rounded and accomplished student, and an aspiring UCLA Bruin. As an English major, I seek to study the greats in literature and become a better writer myself. In order to be taken seriously in the competitive world of writing and publishing, I must endeavor to be the best writer I can. The comprehensive and world-renowned English program at UCLA will provide me with a substantial understanding of the English language, as well as solid foundation from which to build my career.

Before beginning college, I knew I needed to gain as much experience as I could in both journalism and English in order to begin my fu...

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...ol. Although some may see that decision as careless, I have no regrets about my choice. The magazine launch was successful and readership remains constant even today. Looking towards the future, I see LadyLikeMag’s audience continue to grow within the global community while promoting the empowerment young women everywhere.

When I began my journey, I had no idea who I wanted to be. Sometimes I reflect back on that hot summer day after graduation when I sat irresolute, pondering my future. I like to think that it was a definitive moment, the first step in my climb up the mountain I know as my dream, and my soon to be reality. Even today as different and grown up as I am, I remain that same 18 year old girl inside, sitting alone on her bed inspired by a multitude of subjects, mad with intention and fevered with determination to actualize her own future, her own way.