via, via, mo mia...

Tell me about your childhood dreams and I'll tell you one of mine.

Back in the days when it was Motorland, I looked forward to each issue. I browsed through it for travel tips, but mostly enjoyed the beautiful scenic pictures gracing each page. When it later became VIA, the layout changed to be more reader-friendly and contemporary and I loved it even more. As my dreams to become a travel writer developed, I told my parents, "VIA is my dream magazine to work for."

Fast forward to the last year of college when a classmate told me that Bruce Anderson, new editor of VIA, spoke in her class. He mentioned possibly needing interns, and stressed the importance of persistence. This was my chance...I wrote to him and asked if there were any intern positions. He was still getting things organized, and VIA had never had interns before, so it might take some time to start a program. Persistence paid off, though, and soon enough, I found myself working in a cubicle next to another intern in a PAID intern position at VIA Magazine. I couldn't believe it. My dream had come true. Sure, it's not like my dream was to work for National Geographic or some other big-name national publication, but regardless, I was there where I had said I wanted to be. If I had stayed in Sac or moved elsewhere, it wouldn't have happened, since VIA is located right in San Francisco.

I was working side by side with the names on the VIA masthead. *MY* name was on the VIA masthead! I got to give feedback on the articles before they were even published. At our weekly meetings, we'd go around and give feedback and I was always intimidated to speak out because I felt like I was inadequate compared to others around the table. They were all so supportive though, and encouraged me to write more.

I bring this up today because I just got an e-mail from one of the editors there, asking what I was up to, if I was still interested in writing and editing. It definitely pays off to have connections within your field, whatever it may be. When one of their editors was thinking of leaving, Bruce called me to see if I was interested in the position. Or when I'm applying for jobs and need references, I can trust that Bruce will put in a good word for me.

People say it's all about who you know and I hate that. But sometimes it's true. If you want something bad enough, you do have to branch out and make an effort to get there. No one will pave the road for you but yourself.

******
I don't know if it's against the rules to add on, but oh well. I started packing up some books yesterday and I realized I have a small collection of how-to books on travel writing, plus a larger collection of travel guides. I remember when I was so eager to become a travel writer, and it's interesting how that changed so drastically. It's also interesting how the books that you buy reflect the different phases of life that you were going through. Anyway, that's all.