Celebrating ETM’s One-Year Anniversary
Northernstar
Northernstar@Excapethematrix.com
If you would’ve asked me a year ago if the magazine would be as successful as it is, I would’ve said “maybe” or “maybe not.” What I did always say is that if it didn’t really meet up to everyone’s expectations, I still had a passion and love for writing in “eXcapethematriX (ETM)” because this magazine has given me a chance to express myself and to be able to give readers a chance to see from my point of view. It also gave me the chance to participate in something that was so much bigger than me (considering I am one of the youngest in the staff). Sure, at times I felt like I didn’t do my best and even fell prone to procrastination. However, my passion for the magazine allows me to remember that there is always going to be challenges and there will always be room to grow. And I must say that I’ve grown so much in one year.
When I first joined the team, the only section I was interested in contributing in was music because I live and breathe music. But I don’t like being safe with ANYTHING I do; I’m a risk-taker, I love to go against the grain and I think a person’s work is more appreciated when it’s creative and out-of-the-box. I also noticed that when I went outside the music field, I created some of my best writings, including an editorial I wrote entitled “Soul Survivor,” a biography I wrote about my cousin who passed away from cancer. When readers told me “they were touched by the story and it brought them to tears,” I felt like I’d done my job. It made me feel so blessed to have known Britney (my cousin) because readers were saying they wished they knew someone as strong and beautiful as Britney was described in the story.
My first article I ever did for the magazine was an interview with a singer, Shaze, which was a great experience for me because it was the first time I’d ever interviewed anyone. But when it came down to me interviewing R&B singer Teedra Moses, I felt extremely nervous. I don’t know if it was because she was more established than Shaze but it became one of the best days in my life. She was so down-to-earth and naturally beautiful (she had on NO make-up) and I thought that was awesome.
My experience with ETM has been awesome so far. Although there have been many doubts in my mind in the past after losing many members, I gained confidence when those members were replaced with genuine people who share the same passion I do. Only God knows what will happen in the future…but I want to be on the ride to see what happens!!!