Two years ago, in the winter of 2009, I ventured to Manhattan and stood outside the Hearst Tower, which is home to some of the greatest magazines in the world. I handed my camera to my friend Gabby and asked her to take a picture. Later I posted that picture on Facebook and wrote the caption “Hopefully my future place of employment.” Like I said, that was over two years ago.
A year and a half ago I went back to that tower for an “informational interview.” I sat with a lady in the HR department and discussed my passion to work for any Hearst magazine and what it would take to get there. I felt extremely lucky just to be in the same building as magazine greats like O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmo, Esquire, Redbook and Good Housekeeping. I was elated to even walk through the doors of a place where so much publishing history had taken place.
After the interview, on my way out, something happened to me that I’ll never forget. As I headed down the escalator, back into the main lobby, I felt this overpowering sense of belonging. My eyes filled up with tears (and if you know me at all, you know I’m not a crier) but I couldn’t help it. Despite knowing very little for sure in life, I’ll never forget the overwhelming feeling of knowing that this is where I belonged.
A year and a half after that teary escalator ride, and two full years after I took that picture standing in front of the tower, I can proudly say I am FINALLY a full-time employee of Hearst magazines and will be starting at Good Housekeeping magazine this April as the newest editorial assistant. It is a dream come true and I am truly humbled and grateful beyond words to finally be in the place I set out for so long ago.
And in the words of the Grateful Dead….
Other times I can barely see.
Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it’s been.”
