On the summer afternoon after graduation, I sat on my bed listening to Nirvana on vinyl, fresh and green at 18. I looked around the room that had come to define the final years of my childhood. Photos 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 texts, articles, photographs and drawings had come to occupy those once clear divisions. It was beautiful, because it was just like me. A methodical madness of everything I loved all in one. Only then did I know that I would never be satisfied with just one area of ​​interest to pursue as a career. I had to have everything. I knew I wanted to create a world within the range of magazines and books that had inspired me all those years. Relatable and versatile in all subjects, including life, pop culture, history, photography, art, politics and even science, working on or creating my own publication seemed like a perfect way to marry all my interests . Today, I find myself writing this essay as the editor and co-founder of my own online publication, a seasoned and well-rounded student, and an aspiring UCLA Bruin. As an English major, I seek to study literary greats and become a better writer myself. To be taken seriously in the competitive world of writing and publishing, I must strive to be the best writer I can be. The comprehensive and world-renowned English program at UCLA will provide me with substantial knowledge of the English language, as well as a solid foundation on which to build my career. Before starting college, I knew I needed to gain as much experience as possible in both journalism and English to begin my fu...... middle of paper ......ol. While some may consider this decision unwise, I have no regrets about my choice. The launch of the magazine was successful and the readership remains constant even today. Looking ahead, I see LadyLikeMag's audience continuing to grow within the global community, while promoting the empowerment of young women everywhere. When I started my journey, I had no idea who I wanted to be. I sometimes think back to that hot summer day after graduation, when I sat undecided, pondering my future. I like to think that it was a definitive moment, the first step in my climb up that mountain that I know as my dream, and which will soon become reality. Even today, different and grown up as I am, I remain inside that same 18 year old girl, sitting alone on her bed inspired by a multitude of topics, crazy with intentions and feverish with determination to realize her future, in her own way..