The more I talk with Monica and Farrah about our career paths over the past few months, the harder it is to believe in coincidences. Instead, I find myself realizing more and more that God must have a hand in all of this. How else would we have wound up living in Brooklyn together and writing about these experiences and constant questions we have day-to-day?

I’m sure Monica has a lot to say about Oprah’s final episode last week, but one topic that she touched upon that struck me was that we should all listen to that whisper we hear (God) guiding us toward the right path. When we hear that voice and ignore it, our lives go off course. Often, it takes a huge meltdown and everything in your life turned upside down to realize it’s time to follow that voice.

I graduated four years ago and remember one specific moment I had when running into a former high school teacher of mine at our local bookstore. I was paging through the latest issue of Rolling Stone, thinking of stories to pitch them in hopes to work there after college. You know that look you get when someone thinks you’re crazy? Well he did one of those and simply said, “Good luck, Annie.” Obviously skeptical of my high hopes.

I wish I could say that was my last encounter with people doubting my career choices and ambitions, but it only got harder. But, for some reason, I always had that nagging desire to prove the world wrong and figure out how to make my passion for music also my job. Four years later, I’ve interned and freelanced for some of my dream publications (including Rolling Stone) and still have that childhood excitement after interviewing my favorite bands. While I know this career isn’t the easiest path one could take, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. There isn’t a moment I don’t thank God for allowing me to follow my heart.

Do you believe in coincidences?