Meet Mia Soto

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mia Soto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

To clarify: I am still seeking purpose in life – simply because I believe that the development of purpose is an infinite process. As you continue to experience new places and people, you naturally enhance your foundation of purpose, and that builds character and humanity.

In my story, the foundation of my purpose comes from this overwhelming need to validate that little voice that remains buried in my heart. Be a beacon of hope to those who grew up/are like me. Be a representation for my ancestors. Be a symbol of resilience for my younger self: I CAN and WILL do it. The voice that was culminated by bullying and the years of self-loathe that followed will not triumph in the end, because I have taken the steps to start healing, even if it came with a sacrifice: being haunted by the voice in my head that says I’m not doing enough from time to time.

I do concede that the voice deserves some credit, though, because it does continue to ignite my ambition and purpose overall. It led me to writing and that allowed me to foster a constructive path for myself to follow. May I dare say, I’ve done quite alright so far with finding my purpose, and I hope to continue doing so with each new experience I find myself in.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hi readers,

I am honored to be given this platform by the incredible staff at BoldJourney and have some of my story read by you all. A little bit about me? I am 19 years old and from the Bay Area, California. I am a proud reflection of my Mexican, Polynesian, and Indigenous ancestors, and continue to build my craft around their guidance in the Spirit World. In addition to working in the Mental Health field, I am a 270x published, award-winning writer and editor, and run two literary platforms: The Infinite Blues Review and DICED Online. My debut book, Collected Works: Poetry & Short Stories, was published this year and is available to purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, in-store at Caspian Books, and other retail sellers. My goal has always been to foster representation for the communities that I feel are suppressed by biased, large media platforms, and this has allowed me to be an alumni speaker to two classes of students, speak at my hometown city hall meetings, and experience other beautiful achievements that I never knew were possible.

As far as next steps, I just intend to follow the guidance of my ancestors and the path that I’ll be led down. Whether that is just living and experiencing life candidly, or somehow making it to the top of the mountain of my dreams – I know it will all work out the way it is supposed to. I look forward to the next stages of my career and once again, I am absolutely honored that BoldJourney gave me this platform. Thank you, everyone!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Well, well, well… Kidding! I always enjoy questions like these, as I am an individual who values wisdom from others and enjoys sharing it along. Reach one, teach one.

1. Consider your problems – are they really as consuming as you make them out to be? As my sophomore English teacher, Mr. Manning, once told me: “Never allow the problems you have to exceed the number of fingers you have on one hand.”

2. Seizing every opportunity that extends a hand to you. You deserve it, otherwise the door would have never opened for you. As my mother says, “A closed mouth don’t get fed.”

3. Authenticity is the key to success. This was emphasized greatly throughout my childhood (especially by my Nana), but a lot of time passed until I allowed my authenticity to come into fruition. I embraced all of my peculiarities and honestly, I think coming to that acceptance has attracted me to success.

These three lessons in the “area of knowledge” realm have impacted my journey the most among their implementation. Any time someone comes to me for advice, I usually relay one of these three sentences.

For the folks who are early in their respective journey, please take note of these as well, especially number 3. Authenticity is the key to success. Be yourself, and everything else will follow along.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Two things: writing and travelling. I want to see new places, experience new ways of life and perspective on humanity, and write about it, so others can learn too.

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