Celebrate Every Victory
I got my first article published on Miami New Times today, which is pretty huge for me.
Around 2008-2010 The Miami New Times was one of the first big media outlets I checked daily to find out about the people, places, and things happening around the city and beyond. Along with a handful of smaller local blogs, it was a window into the underground creative culture I was getting sucked into. Events, Art exhibits, concerts, venues, restaurants, all the pieces that made up the tapestry of the things I was looking to experience and be involved in.
Eventually as I established Yo Miami and began taking a more active role in the community, I managed to get mentions in there for events or projects I was involved with. Each time was a little spark of validation that what I was doing meant something. I always infinitely appreciate and value the direct feedback I get from people, but somehow seeing what you’re doing in black and white, shared on a public platform has a different vibration to it.
Me being me, I would also meet, and in some cases become friends with, a lot of the writers who were covering the scene; sometimes we connected because they covered something I was doing, other times just meeting randomly or being introduced through mutual contacts. It’s impressive to see how many of those people have gone on to become renowned in particular areas, like Daniel Rivera covering politics, Christian Portilla producing for big networks, and too many others to name individually. Some, like Jose Duran, moved up in the ranks at Miami New Times, and I will be forever grateful that he has now given me my opportunity to grace the publication’s front page with an article.
Earlier this year, I made a commitment to myself to take more concrete steps towards pursuing my passions more fully. Photography and writing are two of the explicit manifestations of my passion, but at it’s core I think it’s really about uncovering and sharing stories about the people I encounter in this world. I’m proud of myself for the achievements I’ve accomplished this past year, and I’m excited to continue honing these skills in the coming years.
Link to view article on Miami New Times