So About That ESSENCE Magazine Feature….

I woke up today with my cell phone buzzing on my nightstand. I cocked one eye open and fumbled around for it. What is going on? I wondered. Why does it keep chiming?

I then saw a bunch of Twitter notifications, congratulating me on being featured on ESSENCE’s website. Even though I had completed the interview last week, it still shocked me. I sat straight up and clicked through to the site to read what I had said about my journey as a full-time blogger and writer.

Very cool, right?

The relationships editor who asked me if I’d like to be featured is Charreah Jackson, who is a good friend of mine. We interned together in the American Society of Magazine Editors’ internship program back in 2006. I was at Reader’s Digest, way out in the country, and she was at ESSENCE magazine.

But here’s the thing: I was offered an internship at ESSENCE that summer and I turned it down. It is a decision that still breaks my heart, but I had to choose the internship that paid more money, considering I had a kid on the way. I fully expected not to get along with her because I was nursing my own wounds. (Let’s face it: I was pretty immature back then.) I had dreamed of working for ESSENCE my whole life, but I had to put on my big girl panties and make the decision that would be best for my growing family.

But as soon as we met, I knew I found a true friend. I adored her big smile, her unwavering kindness and enthusiasm, and even back then, I could see that she was destined for big things. We didn’t hang out that much that summer, other than arranging to sit next to each other at our professional development sessions. You see, I was five months pregnant, 500 miles from my family and very homesick, so while the other interns gathered together at happy hour and at tourist-y spots around NYC, I spent most of my time in my dorm/apartment eating pineapple out of the can, waiting for my boyfriend to call. (That last sentence sounds waaay more depressing than I wanted it to be. LOL)

But we’ve kept in contact throughout the years and I’ve cheered as she’s climbed her career ladder and she’s cheered as I’ve tried to make my dreams a reality.

My point with all this is that you meet certain people for a reason. We were meant to cross paths, as two young journalism students who were trying to make our name in this ever-shifting industry. And I’m glad that we were able to forge and maintain a friendship after all these years. Maybe the goal wasn’t to be in ESSENCE. Maybe the goal was to make friends with a woman who inspires me personally and professionally.

And on THAT note, I encourage you to go read the piece! I talk about my superpower (hint: it’s Beyonce-related) and why I don’t separate my personal and professional life. You can sign up for the weekly features to hit your mailbox as well. What are you waiting for? Go, go, go!