Some moments in life feel like a scene out of a telenovela: dramatic, heart-pounding, and impossible to forget. My first byline was one of those moments. Well, almost. There was no over-the-top villain or sudden gasp for effect, but my heart definitely performed an impromptu salsa dance when I saw my name printed for the very first time. And let me tell you, that feeling stays with you—kind of like memorizing the lyrics to “Despacito.” It’s a permanent imprint.

Let’s rewind, though, because the path to that byline was as winding and unpredictable as romance at a crowded wedding reception. Think: a mix of tripping over your own feet and nailing the occasional paso doble when the mood hits.

The Awkward First Date: Getting Started in Journalism

I’ll be real with you—it wasn’t love at first sight with journalism. I joined my high school newspaper mostly because I heard it looked good on a college application. (Shoutout to those STEM overachievers making the rest of us scramble for “well-rounded” hobbies.) Back then, I thought a good story meant impressing my teacher for extra credit, not reaching people in ways that mattered.

But then came my first assignment: covering a Día de los Muertos celebration hosted by a local community center. I showed up, notebook in hand, but I had no idea where to start. Should I talk to the abuela arranging marigolds? Interview the kids decorating sugar skulls? Everything felt so raw and vibrant, and I was scared my words couldn’t do it justice.

Writing that article felt like an awkward first date with journalism. I overthought everything. Was I asking the right questions? Did my voice even matter? Spoiler: It did. I just didn’t know it yet.

Love at Second Sight: My First Byline

Finally, after wrestling with my sweaty palms and way too many edits, I submitted my article. When the issue came out the following week, there it was: my name, beneath the title “A Beautiful Remembrance.” It was small and unassuming, but to me, it felt like neon lights on the strip in Vegas.

Holding the paper in my hands was surreal. It hit me that someone—maybe many someones—was going to read about this little slice of Houston’s East End because of me. They’d learn about the traditions and faces I’d grown up with, but now with a new lens. It wasn’t perfect by any stretch, but it was mine. That byline said I had a voice, and that voice mattered.

It’s not unlike that moment in a new relationship when things just click. One day, you’re second-guessing every text, and the next, you’re laughing over tacos like you’ve known each other for years. My byline was the journalistic equivalent of realizing, “Oh, this is what I’m meant to do.”

Lessons Learned from that First Byline

Just like the first time someone admits they like you (and means it), my byline taught me a lot about finding the right rhythm. Here are some takeaways that I still carry to this day.

1. Don’t Wait for Perfection

I was so afraid of messing up that I almost didn’t submit my first article. Sound familiar? Like when you’re rehearsing the perfect opening line to flirt with someone, only for them to walk away because you waited too long? Yeah. Newsflash: Nobody expects you to get everything right the first time. Take the shot, messy draft and all.

2. Authenticity Wins Every Time

The strongest part of my article wasn’t the flawless grammar (because trust me, there were a few typos) but the genuine emotion behind it. Journalism, like relationships, works best when it’s rooted in authenticity. Tell your real story, quirks and all—people will connect more with who you are than a polished version of who you think you should be.

3. Celebrate the Mile Markers

That byline wasn’t the Pulitzer Prize, but you’d think I won one based on how loudly I bragged to my family. My mom even clipped the article and laminated it for safekeeping. (Yes, Latin moms have a PhD in making you feel like a rockstar.) In life, you’ve gotta celebrate the little victories—whether it’s your first byline or a great first date. They build the confidence to tackle bigger things.

Not Just Words, But Connection

At its heart, getting a byline isn’t just about seeing your name on paper; it’s about connection. That first story helped me see how sharing someone else’s experience could deepen my own understanding of who I was. The marigolds weren’t just flowers anymore—they represented memory, love, and tradition. And writing that story became my way of showing appreciation for the beauty in small, everyday moments.

Isn’t that what relationships are, too? Whether professional, platonic, or romantic, connections happen when you bring your authentic self, warts and all, to the table. People don’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be genuine. My byline taught me that—and it’s a lesson that sticks, whether I’m writing articles or navigating the highs and lows of human connection.

My First Byline, Your First Step

So, what’s your version of a first byline? Maybe it’s asking someone out, starting therapy, pitching a big idea, or simply admitting you’re unsure about where you’re headed. Whatever it is, lean into it. The only way to grow is to take that leap—and trust me, the adrenaline rush of seeing your name (or your effort) pay off is worth it every time.

If a nervous, overthinking teenager from Houston’s East End with a shaky grip on AP style can find her rhythm, so can you. Whether it’s your first byline or your first big step in love, life, or anything in between, remember: What starts as a shaky step can lead to something more beautiful—and more you—than you ever imagined.