Let me tell you about the journey I took to accomplish the dreams I had for my career as a journalist. I'll start by admitting that it wasn't an easy road. For some time, I wasn't sure if I was going to make my lifelong dream become a reality, but then, I remembered something. Before my mother passed, she always told me to aim for the moon, and eventually, I would land somewhere among the stars. Moms must give pretty good advice because eventually, after a long stretch of trials and tribulations, I made it. Maybe not society's definition of "making it" where I'm popping Moet bottles and driving a Cadillac, but I scored my dream job at the young age of 23. At the end of the day, that is all I could ever want.

Here are six things I realized once I stepped into the journalism field.

1. Becoming a journalist is a long road that requires patience and sacrifice.

It seems that things don't always happen as quickly as you hope they would. Whether that be God's plan or just the way the universe operates. I promise if you stay dedicated and passionate in what you do, there will always be a way into the field.

The biggest lesson I learned will surprise you: it doesn't matter how much schooling or how many degrees you have under your belt.

That's not to say it doesn't benefit you. Anytime you choose to further your education is a great thing. Above all, what will make or break you in this industry is how bad you want it and how far you are willing to go to get it. For me, I've had the dream of becoming a writer ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil in my hands. I became enthralled with how my words were able to change someone else's perspective and at times, even my own. Writing has been the one special thing no one can take away from me. Even in the hardest of times, it was there and never judged. I knew from a very young age writing is what I was meant to do. What I didn't know (until I chose to further pursue my studies in school) was how many different options journalism offered!

2. In the journalism field, there are quite a variety of options.

If you are fortunate to have a pretty face and can squeeze in several words per minute you have a good shot at becoming a television news broadcaster or possibly even a sports commentator if that happens to be your thing. I considered broadcasting for sometime until realizing I was more of an introvert and wasn't sure I could handle the pressure of my face being plastered across the nation.

Another option, which fate determined was the perfect pick for me, print journalism. There are so many different beats you could go into. Admitted, you have to start small and work your way up to where you would like to envision yourself. So naturally, being an ambitious kid, I idolized reporting for the New York Times one day. The idea of joining such a groundbreaking newsroom was enough to give me goosebumps, but like I mentioned, it all starts with baby steps.

3. Follow through with ANY publishing opportunities that will allow your voice to be heard.

Before I got to where I am now (writing for a community-based weekly newspaper in a sleepy town) I started following up on any opportunities that presented themselves — chances in which I could assert my voice to the public. Feels funny to say this, but where you happen to be reading this particular piece happens is one of the many platforms that contributed to my success. Odyssey cradled my love for sharing my feelings and writing with the world and helped me develop how I feel about certain subjects. It allowed me a chance to "try it out" before fully committing to a life-long career of writing. Of course, other internships also allow you to do that, but they usually require putting on clothes instead of sitting in your pajamas sipping a cup of tea in the middle of the night and writing just because you feel like it.

Odyssey was there for me when I went through a bad break up or when I felt too weak to get up and move on from my painful past. I learned how to be brutally honest with myself and face some inner demons while also allowing myself the opportunity to open up to people all over the world. What really sold me on following through with a career in the journalism field though was the responses I would receive from complete strangers. People who I had no idea existed began to reach out to me and tell me my writing touched their lives and helped them see that something inside of themselves they were missing, so that is my reason for writing this, boys and girls. I am a writer by design. At the end of the day, my goals followed through all by themselves because I channeled what I loved doing. This showed me proof when I doubted myself and questioned why I wanted to become a writer. Then I remember: it's simply because I want to impact lives with my words.

4. Apply yourself and stay persistent. Patience is key!

After obtaining experience from Odyssey, it was time to put my dreams into action and go for the gold. I took my most cherished writing samples and spent what felt like weeks working on my cover letter and resume following the completion of my internship at a local radio station where I wrote broadcasting scripts for on and off-air. I started knocking down every publication's door, asserting my passion for the industry. It was a long process which, admittedly, proved tough at times, but that's just how it is.

Nothing happens in the time frame you expect, but when you are least expecting it, it'll happen.

And just like that, I got a call from a weekly newspaper with a circulation of 31,000 people, all of whom would one day hear my voice — and they did. After a rigorous interview process and a month of anticipation, I landed my dream job doing what I love every day. I no longer wonder what it would be like to live out my dream because I already am. The company I work for as a news reporter has strict requirements because of the privilege of being recognized by the public with every article published, but it has its perks, too.

My persistence was noted and my ambition was recognized quickly, which allowed me the opportunity to advance even further. Currently, I am on a sort of probationary period, where I currently have the opportunity to really show what I'm made of and possibly become editor of the entire paper. This is an honor I can hardly fathom, because even being considered for the position blows my mind. The editor's position is an esteemed honor which is usually only reserved for seasoned journalists with several years of experience or more. People often wonder why, at only 23 years old, did I make certain sacrifices that most young adults would be hesitant to make? I cut out most of my social life and replaced that with work knowing this opportunity is greater than any night out, that's why. These are the sacrifices necessary in order to to attain the level of success you might envision for yourself.

5. Allow yourself to continue to grow, and learn after obtaining the job.

So day in and day out, I wake up with a smile on my face knowing I love what I do and apply myself harder than the day before. In order to get something you want — and I mean truly and really want it — you have to work for it. Hard. In time, you will gain the recognition, but patience is key. Above all, being humble and eager are the two most important qualities a young journalist can have as they climb their way up the ladder of success.

I hope others out there who are considering a job in the journalism field know this: there is no limit to what you can achieve, no goal you can't accomplish and no stone you can't overturn.

You are only as good as the motivation you know is already inside of you. If you apply that motivation, you will quickly realize the wide realm of opportunities that remain yours for the taking in this industry. If you want something bad enough, you'll find a way. I know this because even at my lowest and most vulnerable point in my life after the loss of my mom, the words I wrote led me to my purpose. For that, I will be eternally grateful for my ability to turn sentiments into something that has the opportunity to change someone's life.

6. Stay motivated. Success will come in time!

So for all the young writers out there or anyone who just wants their voice to be heard, go for it, and keep going until you get where you want to be. You are your biggest motivator, and only you can make it happen. So what's stopping you? See you at the top!