At this moment I do not have a strategically defined path towards my future. That is to say, that I do not have a list of criteria that I intend to impose upon my journey through this harrowing and beautiful adventure that is life. Life is not a linear destination. The only thing that I know for certain is that when I look back on my life one, two, or ten years from now, I want to do so with pride. I want to remain fearless in the face of adversity and cling tightly to my integrity during a time when it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find.

Over the last year, I have been reading the book On the Front Line: The Collected Journalism of Marie Colvin. As I have pored over her life's work, as a journalist, and as a woman, I find myself utterly captivated and irrevocably inspired. Like witnessing the wonder of a flickering flame for the first time, I want to reach out with both hands and grab onto the same fire and determination that consumed the life of this incredible woman.

Marie and I share the same desire for the pursuit of truth, as well as a passion for sharing the stories of those whose voices are seldom heard. I do not know that I will ever gain the notoriety that Colvin wielded so effortlessly; however, I do know that if I am able to stay as true to myself and my work as a journalist as she did, then I will consider my life, and career, a magnificent success.