Before I was a member of the Daily Bruin staff, I was the subject of an article in the paper.
It was my first quarter at UCLA and I had just transferred from my community college in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. I got the crazy idea to participate in a statewide pageant to further my dream of becoming a television host.
I competed in the Miss California pageant with UCLA displayed proudly across my sash. I spent all of fall quarter training in Drake Stadium and avoiding the dining halls. Despite my efforts, I didn’t even make it close to the top 20. But when I returned to school that Monday, I saw my photo on the front page of the Daily Bruin.
Not all had been lost.
I later had the privilege of joining the Daily Bruin as a contributor for the Arts and Entertainment section. Within my section I was given the opportunity to attend press junkets, movie screenings and music festivals where I wrote reviews and sometimes interviewed famous actors and directors.
At one point I found myself in a suite at the Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. eating hors d’oeuvre as I waited to interview action film star Jason Statham. Simply put, I don’t know any other profession that offers greater perks.
But not everything I wrote about involved the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Some of my favorite stories were of students at UCLA and the amazing feats they’ve accomplished.
I consider myself one of the lucky ones because I’ve sort of always known that I wanted to be an entertainment reporter. Through my various internships in the entertainment industry, I have come to discover that people who work in entertainment are some of the most driven individuals. The passion that they have for their craft is unparalleled.
Also, truth be told, celebrity gossip has always been somewhat of a guilty pleasure.
My experiences interning for Gotham Casting, ICM Partners, IMG World and MTV taught me that it is possible to do what you love and get paid for it. While I don’t anticipate ever being a millionaire as a journalist, I know that I will make ends meet and I will find fulfillment in what I do.
This fall I will be furthering my passion and my skills at either New York University or City University of New York, studying broadcast journalism.
I’m a California girl, born and raised. Buying a one-way ticket to a place I’ve never even visited before is a scary thought, but I’m not worried. Rather, I am excited for this new beginning. After all, graduation is a time to close the door on one chapter of your life and open the door to a new one. Mine just happens to be in the Big Apple.
Simpson was an A&E contributor from 2012-2013.