the best 12 hours of my life!

Today started off as a normal day, little did I know it would turn into one of the most influential days of my life!

Like last Wednesday, we had another lunch and learn session at the 42nd street office. This week's speaker was Sally Preston, the Publisher of Martha Stewart Living. I was really excited to attend this lunch since I've always been interested in magazines.

During the presentation she asked "who is interested in ad sales?" I of course raised my hand. I was the only person to do this out of the 30 some interns present. She kindly told me to send her my resume and we could chat. I was so excited about this! Little did I know this was just the beginning!

As we were waiting for the shuttle to go back to Starrett, there were some ladies with Martha items waiting for a car. We started talking and they mentioned they were going to the meeting Sally had to leave for. Since Sally was in our meeting late, they were running behind and needed to get into a taxi fast since their car didn't show up. The assistant went back up to see what was going on, so they needed help. Sally realized this and told me to get into the car because I was going to help her. This was so exciting!

All of a sudden I realize i'm in a car with three top MSLO execs going to a meeting with Kraft. During the car ride they asked me questions about my life and experience. They really got to know me. Once we got to the meeting, I helped them set up for the meeting. I originally thought i was just helping set-up, but they just asked me to stay. They said the meeting was kind of boring, but I was a kid in a candy shop. I couldn't get over this!

During the lunch and learn, Sally invited all of the interns to attend a party she was throwing for all of her advertisers. She reinforced this invitation during our time together today. Once I got back to my office, I talked to a few other interns and decided to go with them. I defiantly knew it was important to go and meet up again with Sally.

The party theme was hoedown themed and held at Starrett. It was supposed to be on the roof, but it was rainy. I had so much fun with all the BBQ from Blue Smoke, special drinks in mason jars, line dancing lessons, amazing cupcakes, and Emril bbq gifts. Next week there will be a honey party on the roof, i cannot wait!

At the party i spoke with Sally a few times and met some great people. Today was such a great networking day, it truly could not have been any better. Sally made the comment at the Kraft meeting and at the party that I would be making ad calls by 2010 for MSLO! AGHH!

I was so inspired by Sally today, she had such an amazing personality. I felt so comfortable with her. I didn't feel constricted in my reactions, questions, anything. She told the people at the meeting "we are best friends after 2 hours!" I hope we can set up a time to dicuss my future sometime before I leave! I could listen to her talk about anything for hours!

Today is going to be hard to beat! I've read so many stories about instances like this happening to people and how they got their big break. I can't believe it potentially happened to me!

-Sam