30 Floors: UP

Wednesday, November 25, 2009:
The day began like any other at the Michigan Avenue Magazine office. I got in before anyone else arrived to share a "good morning" over the sounds of keyboards and phone calls. I love being the first one at the office. There's something enchanting about walking into a room untouched from the bustling day before. Almost immediately, the stories of the office come alive as I pass layouts to be edited, glossy stacks of current issues and computer screens with email inboxes full of waiting questions. Yes, it was a day like any other, but the conclusion would prove to be much different than the ones before...

It was my last day as an intern at Michigan Avenue Magazine.

As I sat at my desk answering the questions on my screen, the Michigan Avenue team began to arrive. It was the day before Thanksgiving, so it wasn't the full house I've become accustomed to. Editor-in-chief Susanna Negovan arrived and came over to chat with me about our time together. In just two and a half months I have learned so many things about the inner workings of a luxury magazine and many more lessons about myself along the way. Together we laughed and talked about some of the experiences and she shared her thoughts about my performance and my future career aspirations.

The Michigan Avenue Magazine lobby:


Though it was a calm day, there was still plenty to be done (magazines don't write themselves!) I worked with Susanna to complete a project for an upcoming issue, had lunch, took down my "inspiration wall" and it was almost time to go. As I sat at my desk, I recalled the experience that I have had over the course of my internship. In such a short time I have learned so much about myself and have met some of the smartest, most hard working, dedicated and influential people I have ever come across (and they're gorgeous to boot!)

Never a bad view from the conference room:


As I write this now, only an hour after arriving home from Thanksgiving dinner, I realize that I have so much to be thankful for. To the many people I have met along the way who have continued to support me on my journey, I thank you. To my family that has stuck by me when I didn't know who I was or where life was taking me, I thank you. To the many true friends that humble me and keep me laughing through it all, I thank you. To the people I have had the honor of working with at Michigan Avenue, while growing and learning more about myself and the city I love, I thank you.

As I sign off for now, I am left feeling nostalgic about the past, yet optimistic about the journey that begins after graduation. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. My time at Michigan Avenue Magazine may be done for now, but there is so much more ahead.

Watch out "real" world.

Here I come.

-R.M.B.