Throughout my life, I’ve wanted to pursue countless careers. But when I’d get bored of one, I’d always go back to my dream of being a writer. At least until something else intrigued me for two weeks.

However, a year ago, I decided to quit fooling myself and pursue the one thing I didn’t doubt my ability in: writing. The choice was easy, but the process? Not so much.

To make a long story short, after e-mailing and submitting work to countless lifestyle blogs and literary magazines, I finally heard back from one: MusicIs4Lovers.com (shameless plug). They are a San Diego-based music blog dedicated to house music.

I had e-mailed them on a whim.  I knew very little about house music and really never expected to get a response.  To my surprise, the very next day I heard back from Jon, the blog boss.

Admittedly, I thought it would be a short-lived gig. Not because I wasn’t enthusiastic about it, but because what did I know about house music, other than it was fun to listen to?

I’d never reviewed music before. I thought two weeks tops, he’d see through my B.S. and give me the boot.

So figuring I had nothing to lose anyway, I dove head first into the project.

I spent hours upon hours upon hours of listening to music, countless questions asked, late nights and early mornings trying to find the perfect words, too much coffee, too much whiskey, too much … well, other things. Now, five short months later, what has it gotten me? What could I possibly have to show for all that work?

I had some wild, insane nights and early mornings on both sides of the border and an appreciation for the music that I’ve come to love.

I gained real world experience first-hand. I’ve grown as both a person and a writer. I’ve learned some of the politics and how to take criticism without taking it personally.

What I am trying to get at is that you should always follow your dreams, as cliché as that sounds, because you never know where they can take you.

Surely, there are plenty of you out there that don’t know what you want to do. Lost and thinking about majoring in business or psychology because, sure, why not?

Well, before you settle for that, go for that crazy idea everyone tells you is ridiculous. Buy that DJ equipment. Take that acting class. Paint that picture. Write that book. Break the rules and draw outside of the lines. Because in the end, it’s up to us, the dream chasers, to create the culture and the world that we live in and no one else.

And that’s a responsibility I’ll gladly take on.

Heric Rubio is a City Times Copy Editor.