I knew that I wanted to intern at 'Teen Vogue' from the moment

Hear the words of Emily Weiss, who remembered her beginning with fire in her heart: “I knew that I wanted to intern at ‘Teen Vogue’ from the moment the first issue hit newsstands. Luckily, the team at Polo Ralph Lauren, where I interned during high school, really believed in me and arranged for an interview with the editors.” At first glance, these words seem to recount a simple tale of ambition fulfilled. Yet within them lies a greater lesson, one that speaks of vision, of perseverance, and of the power of those who believe in us along the way.

She tells us first of desire, that sacred spark of knowing. The moment the first issue of Teen Vogue appeared, she felt the call—not faintly, not with hesitation, but with certainty: this is where I must go. This recognition is not ordinary; it is the mark of destiny. For many wander uncertain, unsure of their path, but Weiss’s heart leapt toward her future. It is a reminder that when the soul knows its calling, we must listen, for that inner voice is wiser than doubt or fear.

Yet desire alone is not enough. She also speaks of opportunity, and of those who helped open doors. At Polo Ralph Lauren, she labored as a high school intern, perhaps in roles not glamorous, but her dedication shone. And because she worked with diligence, others saw her worth. They believed in her, and by that belief, they arranged an introduction to her dream. This is the second truth: no one rises alone. Behind every triumph are hands that lifted, voices that encouraged, and hearts that believed when the dreamer was still unproven.

History itself mirrors this tale. Think of Michelangelo, whose genius might have remained hidden had Lorenzo de’ Medici not taken him under his protection, placing him among the finest artists and scholars of Florence. Michelangelo’s skill was his own, yet without the faith of his patron, the path to greatness might have remained barred. So too with Weiss: her own vision and labor made her worthy, but it was the faith of mentors at Ralph Lauren that gave her the chance to stand before the editors of Teen Vogue.

Her words also speak of preparation. For though the interview was arranged by others, she had already proven herself ready. Too often people wait for fortune to come before they prepare, but Weiss teaches the opposite: prepare always, so that when opportunity arrives, you are ready to seize it. The interview was not a gift—it was a door. And because she had labored faithfully beforehand, she was prepared to walk through it.

From this story we learn a timeless lesson: pursue your vision with clarity, honor the mentors who believe in you, and prepare yourself relentlessly. Do not wait for certainty to act—when the spark of desire lights within you, follow it with courage. Work hard in every season, even when the tasks seem small, for faithfulness in the small leads to greatness in the large. And when others offer their belief, accept it with humility, for their trust is both a gift and a responsibility.

So let Weiss’s words be a teaching: know your dream, prepare yourself, and honor those who help you rise. The path to greatness is not paved in isolation, but in the union of vision, labor, and support. Seek always the places where your heart leaps, as hers did when Teen Vogue appeared. And when your moment comes, may you be found ready, may you honor those who lifted you, and may you, too, become a believer in the dreams of others.