this post is sponsored by Verizon's New Rewards Program VerizonUp

I was eighteen when I was voted as "Most Likely To Be Lady Gaga" for our school yearbook. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life at eighteen- I think I remember thinking psychology was cool for a second.

Scratch that.

I've always known what I've wanted to do. From my first concert KISS & Aerosmith at age eight, to being voted "Most Likely To Be Lady Gaga" in high school at eighteen, I've always felt a fire-filled passion for music.

I just didn't know how to make it a career, and certainly wouldn't have expected for it to take me where I am today.

As I write this, I'm sitting in a local library surrounded by stressed out college students. It's finals week, and as they cram as many equations on to one paper possible, I'm nuzzled into my computer swooning over the fact that just four days ago I met Lady Gaga face to face.

It went a little something like this..

Part II.

**DECEMBER 9TH, 2017 | QUESTION & ANSWER / PHOTO OP WITH LADY GAGA | 11:00 PM**

Tears shed from my eyes as I witnessed Lady Gaga rest her pink Joanne hat on the piano bench. The show was complete, and as the lights came on I was willingly forced to consume the reality behind one of the best concerts of my life. The VIP crew was then gestured backstage, we all looked (and smelled) like we belonged at the zoo- the dancing, laughing, singing, smiling faces were gearing up for one more journey... Q:A/ Meet and Greet.

Aligned in groups of six, we took our seats in a small room with no more than 20 chairs in total. I was in the first row, and a part of the first group. Security came out to aware us of the fact that we must ask appropriate questions, and have our hands visible at all times. Photos, phones, and Apple Watches were not permitted.

This was actually happening.

Eagerly awaiting her arrival, I muster up a question to ask. People around me were concerned with knowing her favorite of everything, such as her favorite outfit, favorite songs to sing, etc. I, on the other hand, was looking for something I could take with me for the rest of my life.

Thirty or so minutes into waiting, out walks a confident, little, bedazzled woman.

Gaga, baby.

(Verizon, I owe you mega)!

She didn't introduce herself, and obviously didn't need to. Sitting about four feet away from me with poise and positive energy, Gaga spoke with calmness. It was now the calm after the storm, and our chance to ask whatever we wanted.

A little girl first asked her favorite song to perform, Gaga was quick to respond with "John Wayne," followed by stating that she also felt it was important to add Scheiße and Alejandro to the setlist. Scheiße, she said, came after Alejandro to prove that women don't need men.

"Scheiße is my women empowerment song."

Another fan thanked Gaga for releasing Born This Way because it came out on her birthday. However, the fan ensured Gaga that she also loved the album "Joanne," too. Meanwhile Gaga responded with a very humorous

"clearly."

(The fan was dressed up in head to toe pink cowgirl Joanne gear). We all giggled.

A couple more questions went by, and I could feel my heart pounding. Now or never.

A sudden, similar poise came across my whole body as I began talking-

Gaga's eyes were now locked with mine.

"I'd like to ask a question that isn't necessarily about the tour. I'm a woman in the music business--"

"Of course you are!" Lady Gaga interrupts me,

"Look how cool you look. Of course you're in the music business."

(Sorry fam, your compliments are great and all but Lady Gaga just said I looked cool in front of the entire room and I swear there will NEVER be anything greater).

I continue

"I aspire to work for a company such as Live Nation with Arthur Fogel, but I often get discouraged as a woman in the music business. I've found that positions of power are often given to men. What advice do you have for me as a woman wanting to pursue this industry?"

She perked up,

"Fight like a dog." Gaga said with grit.

"If a company doesn't want you because you're a woman, well that's their fault. You've got to fight for what you want. You are a woman, and you can do just as much as a man. I know this industry. I know how you feel. I know you can."

I respond,

"Well thank you. That means a lot to me, coming from you. But what if it's my dream company?"

"Then they're not right for you."

"OK OK, you're right"

"You can't stop. You can't give up. If this industry is your passion, you've got to fight like a dog for what you want."

"Fight like a dog, and pull the fucking trigger," Lady Gaga said looking me directly in the eyes.

I've never felt more empowered. Chills went over my entire body.

It was then time for a photo opportunity. In our groups of six, we sit down in front of a Joanne backdrop. After we take our photo I thank her once more, and tell her how much it meant to me.

"Look at me," She said.

"You can do this."

Yet again on the verge of tears I hold it together-

"I will. Even if I have to ask Arthur myself."

I'm almost to the exit door at this point, and the next group has already taken their spots around her.

Across the room she then said-

"What's your name?"

Taken back, I respond-

"Alexa Ace."

"Alexa Ace," Lady Gaga repeated out loud

"I'll be seeing you."

And that was that.

I'd like to thank Verizon's new program VerizonUp once more for providing me with this life changing opportunity. Keep in mind that if you're a VerizonUp Rewards customer, you could be the next front row VIP.

Here's a quote from my Part I. Joanne World Tour VerizonUp Experience-

"I need you to understand this isn't just some "sponsored post." Due to Verizon's new program #verizonup, I was given the opportunity to have one of my wildest dreams come true. This program is the real deal, and I'm the proof.