IBAAW

Well, graduation is just around the corner (my last exam is 19 June!!!!), and even though I already have my diploma- it's just NOW becoming scary. Because no matter what happens, next year I am on my own.

Since before kindergarten 'grown-ups' have asked the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and since before kindergarten I've wanted to be a writer. But even more than that, now I realize, I want to be heard, I want to make a difference, and I want to help people.

Someone who reflects these beliefs and virtues: Atoosa- Editor in Chief of Seventeen Magazine

Personally, she's always been my favourite Editor of all the oodles of teen-focused magazines I read. She seems so honest and nice and sincere. She has just decided to stop writing her monthly editor's letter- an honoured Seventeen institution for the last 7 years. It's a good move on her part, because she's moved to the internet.

Internet is so important in today's society. Everyone uses it, and MySpace is practically the defining movement of our generation, thus far (as indicated by Atoosa's 3779 friends). It is a great way for her to keep in touch with her readers- the same way they keep in touch with their own friends. Because that is what she truly is- a friend. When your friends don't understand you, or you don't understand yourself, she has this warmth and charm that makes you feel that everything will be okay. She doesn't sugarcoat it, or make it too "afterschool special," and her life isn't plastic and Barbie-doll. She's real, and I can understand why she was chosen to front Seventeen and return it to its glory.

Look how far it has come! Seventeen first debuted in 1944- while the world held it's breath after 5 years of brutal war were coming to an end- and gave teenage girls comfort in their world teaching them the important things of the time. Sure, these things are dated and old-fahioned in our eyes, but Seventeen continues to provide the same things for us- on a current and forward-thinking level.

Seventeen spawned a revolution. It is because of this magazine that there are other teen-focused publications, such as ELLEgirl, CosmoGIRL!, Teen Vogue and Teen People. It has influenced a lifestyle.

Okay, you're probably getting a tad sick of my SeventeenPEPRALLY! So, I'll get back to what I was originally intent on saying- teenage girls need more people like Atoosa and the Seventeen staff. That's what I want to be. I spend.... well, let's just say, a lot... of money on magazines geared toward people my age, and lots of people ask why. When I respond that I want to do this someday, I am met with quizzical looks and confused mumbling. So, to get the record straight, I don't want to be a model- I'm 5'3" for one, so that's been x'ed. I want to be an influence, and writing is the way I can do that, so what do I want to be? I think we've figured that out by now.

............

I think the common misconception here would be that I want to be Atoosa. No, no, no. Atoosa is her own person. I am my own person. I want to learn from Atoosa. I want to be that kind, always understanding, warmth that girls like me radiate toward. I want to be a teacher. In fact, if I had two choices they would be: 1) Editor at an influential teen magazine, or 2) High School Teacher (English or Social Studies- these are the two that influenced me the most and really give an opportunity to see the world, and yourself in the world).

Anyway, this is so rambling, I wonder who is even reading at this point. My friend Lissa is, obviously (right Liss???), and maybe you are too. If you are, I hope one day I can influence you in a positive way with my pointless blabbering and randomness. That would be really cool.

Labels: Journal