American Dream
By Mayra, age 18, California
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
I love writing ... I have no doubt about that. The moment I joined the Sweet Designs Team, I felt incredibly happy. It wasn't until I began to see my articles featured in the magazine that I actually felt as if I were getting closer to my dream of becoming an editor.
But things have changed now. I'm a freshman in college majoring in Magazine Journalism, and confused on whether I should change my plans of pursuing journalism for a living. Initially, I had decided on majoring in this field for the honest purpose of helping others through my words. As we sink lower and lower into this recession, I can't help but to doubt my dreams and goals.
My second semester of college has begun, and I'm enrolled in Journalism 100, which will count towards my degree. In the beginning of the semester, I was really excited about attending that class, but now that my professor has explained the declination of magazines in our society and for the future, I don't know what to do anymore. I mean, I want to do something I love, but I also want to savor a slice of the American Dream. I want to have a place that I can call home and possibly have the family I never had. For that, I'll need a career that will bring me personal satisfaction, as well as a decent paycheck.
Something deep within me tells me I shouldn't change my plans. Something tells me that I'm going to be successful with my writing. This "something" is the only thing tying me together to my dream. Recently, however, I met the assistant editor of a magazine at my university called ForUs. I talked to her about my major and how I love to write, and she responded by telling me about some internship opportunities within the magazine. She gave me her business card so that I could contact her if I was interested. That same night I sent her an email explaining my interest in the internship opportunity. The following day she replied by asking me to send her some freelance work so that she could review it with the editor. After about three days or so, I got an email from the editor:
Hi Mayra,
Sierra sent me your work, and we both really like it. I am going to put you on the article sign up list, which is an email list I distribute before deadlines. It is first come first served, so be sure to check your email as I would love for you to write something for us next issue. If you have any ideas for articles I always accept ideas, so please be sure to let me know!
Thanks!
KRISTEN FOGLE
Editor
ForUs Magazine
When I read the last sentence I felt sooooooo overwhelmed. I know that to others it may not seem like much, but to me it is the opportunity I had been waiting for. Now I have the chance and privilege of putting my name out there and actually having my work published into a college magazine. After reading this email, I knew for a fact that my dreams of becoming an editor were not going to be destroyed by this petty recession. Instead, I have decided to make a smarter decision that will enable me to do what I love without having to worry about what I'm going to be eating the following week.
Besides my passion for writing, I also enjoy and love to work with kids. Before, I didn't see myself as a teacher. But after volunteering for the Boy's and Girl's Club of the San Fernando Valley, I crave the life of a teacher. Next week, I will be meeting with my advisor so that I can double major and pursue two careers at the same time. I know it will be hard, but I also know that in the end it will be rewarding.
Following trends can be fun ... but following your dreams is so much better!
