Why I Live by the Saying "Everything Happens for a Reason"

Written By: Zsa Zsa Goldstrom

I selected the quote "Everything happens for a reason" to represent me in The American Interns program because it encapsulates my life's philosophy. Writing this blog post elaborating on sed philosophy will allow me to share this way of life with all of you. It's in my best interest you walk away with something that you can remember in times of need, to propel you forward and allow you to keep faith; whatever that may look like for you.

My name is Zsa Zsa Goldstrom, a student at the University of Miami studying finance and business technology. I believe in taking life step by step, following clues to reach the next treasure in my journey. However, above all, I believe everything happens for a reason!

Today, I will discuss the experiences, clues, and steps I took in the process of co-authoring and publishing my first book, "The Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating and Selling Cryptocurrency and NFTs" (yes, it's quite a lengthy title). I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and this book, which has become a valuable tool in my life, was meant for a purpose that I didn't initially comprehend.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was a high school senior anxiously waiting for acceptance from the University of Miami. At that time, I was determined to distinguish myself and create opportunities in my future, but I wasn't sure how to achieve that. As fate would have it, my father's good customer, Robert Carp, a successful author, introduced me to the world of writing.

Robert Carp and I shared a similar interest in the decentralized finance blockchain community, and as cryptocurrency was at its peak in 2019-2020, we saw a perfect opportunity to delve into this industry during our free time amid the pandemic. Robert Carp was the first clue in the beginning of my writing journey, and under his guidance, knowledge, mentorship, and belief in me, I discovered a hidden talent that I never knew existed before; the art of how to capture one’s interest through compelling conversation.

Without Robert Carp's support, I may have never realized my potential in the world of literature. I am grateful for the chance encounter that brought us together, as it allowed me to express my creativity. Everything happens for a reason really shined clear to me yet again, and meeting Robert Carp, changed my life for the better. Life is a domino effect of events, however we are placed in situations and circumstances that change the trajectory of our lives.

Writing and publishing a book comes with a lot of challenges, including learning to accept intense criticism without taking it personally. However, after eight months of daily meetings, brainstorming, and learning about decentralized finance and blockchain technology, we finally finished our book. "The Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating and Selling Cryptocurrency and NFTs" offers basic understanding of cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs, as well as road maps, business models, and white papers to help readers enter the industry. Additionally, we included 20 business models based on successful businesses we had seen and created.

When the book was published in 2021, it was a surreal moment for me. Holding a copy of a book that I co-authored was indescribable. This moment was my "it" factor that I wanted to enter college with. The book opened doors for me, being able to network with CEOs, founders, professors, and enthusiasts. We launched the book on Amazon, and it is even in institutions like Johns Hopkins University.

My journey would not be complete, and I wouldn't be the person I am today, without the people who have been instrumental in it. I truly believe that everyone we encounter in life serves a purpose - they bring something unique to the table, whether it's a lesson or an opportunity for growth. The impact they have on our lives may not always be apparent at first, but as we reflect on our experiences, we begin to see the clues they have provided us with. So thank you everything happens for a reason, for instilling with me just how full of surprises life can be, and how this is the beauty to always recognize that - we never know where each clue will lead us, but it's up to us to seek out its purpose and use it to guide us on our journey.