Two days ago, I officially graduated from FIT. The ceremony could not have taken place on a more perfect day. Now that I have finished college and can look back on my four years, I want to share a few of the most valuable takeaways I have from attending FIT.
Your Hard Work Will Be Rewarding: One of the most important things I built at FIT was my work ethic. With every project I had, I set aside time in order to put 100% of my heart into my work. My work ethic grew stronger and more secure as the years went on. By putting hard work into everything I did, I came out of school with an internship I learned from, a GPA I am proud of, and a portfolio I am excited to work with.
It Is Okay To Make Time For Yourself: Do not forget to make time to relax and enjoy all Manhattan has to offer. There is nothing wrong with slowing down and taking a break from the hours of hard work. Sometimes, breaks from projects give more room for ideas and brainstorming.
Failure Is NOT a Bad Thing: Not every project or assignment is going to go as planned. Now is the time to take chances and make mistakes. It is the time to try new things and learn how to make something better for the next time around. Do not let failure discourage you, but rather inspire you!
Always Be True to Your Passions and Aspirations…and Most Importantly, Yourself: Never lose sight of why you are here or your passions. Be yourself unapologetically and take the time to come into who you really are. Now is the time to learn, grow, and blossom into the truest version of yourself.
It has been an incredible journey here at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I have learned so much and grown immensely; this chapter will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to the next chapter ahead. Best of luck to all you soon-to-be graduates!
As my last semester , I look back on my time here, and from where it really all began. A boy, lost in his fashion dreams, taking a risk to move across the country to pursue his dreams. Here’s some excerpts of my application essay to FIT. Reading it again fuels a flame that sometimes gets dull throughout hectic school year, but that is always burning…
The notable fashion photographer and journalist Bill Cunningham once said, “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” Coming from a family that struggles to meet every day needs, I live through a reality that is tougher than the average American teenager. My mom is a single mother of two who makes ends meet without a college education. Even though our financial difficulties are a burden, my mother sacrifices everything she earns in order for me to do the activities I love. She continuously encourages me to do my best, and motivates me to be successful in life. Amongst the harsh realities I face, fashion allows me to escape to a world where I have no worries and can exercise my creative talents. At a young age, I knew that whatever I pursued, I would give the utmost dedication in order to be successful and make my ultimate fantasies a reality.
From my earliest memories, I dreamt of living the life of a male equivalent of Carrie Bradshaw, the forever-young and outgoing “fashionista” from the award-winning book and television series “Sex and the City” by Candace Bushnell. Living in New York City, writing for a fashion magazine, and going to fashion shows seemed like an exhilarating life, but I knew it was going to take hard work and experience to get the career I dreamt of. Becoming a fashion journalist would cultivate my passion for fashion…
…The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City is my ultimate fantasy that can become a reality. Since I am a driven, creative, and enthusiastic young adult ready to take on the demand of the fashion world, my fervor and knowledge of fashion will only develop as an FIT student. FIT’s unique Advertising and Marketing Communications program will truly engage and challenge myself to grow infinitely. As I progress in my educational journey once again, I look forward to calling myself a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I am a perfect fit for FIT because I will get down to business in a creative way.
As fashion journalist turned into fashion publicist, I look back in awe. Your dreams may mold into something else, but they will never fade away. Here’s to a great Spring 2018, wishing you all the best!
Yesterday I took my last final ever. It was probably my last day of school ever as well. It’s kind of crazy how fast college has gone by, and a little scary to think about such a huge change. However, I am happy with my four years here. These mixed feelings are hard to sum up, so I’ll just let Frank help me explain (yes, it’s cheesy, but just be glad I’m not using the “as we go on, we remember all the times we had together” song):
I’ve lived a life that’s full. I’ve traveled each and every highway; And more, much more than this, I did it my way
I think the most important aspect of my college career was that I tried everything I could and got to experience as much as possible. Salsa club, film critique, tennis, study abroad in Italy, walking the Camino de Santiago, fashion design, fabric styling, field biology, french conversation in Paris, the list can go on. This allowed me to meet so many interesting, lovely people and become excited about things I otherwise would not have even known about.
Regrets, I’ve had a few; But then again, too few to mention. I did what I had to do, and saw it through without exemption
I think people are most successful when they put their all into something, whether it be a project or an outfit. Sure, there may be some failures along your road, but I’ve heard some of the most accomplished people say they were not successful until they had their first huge failure. Failure is not something to be ashamed of, as long as you didn’t go down passively. If you’re going to fail, fail with all your might.
Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew, when I bit off more than I could chew. But through it all, when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and I stood tall; And did it my way
Personally, I viewed my biggest “failure” as when I realized I couldn’t keep doing the Fashion Design program, and that what I grew up thinking was my future was in reality not going to happen. At the time it seemed like the end of everything – my ambition, my dreams and goals – however, looking back now I am glad I switched out of Fashion Design. It was too much stress for me and I cannot imagine where I would be now mentally if I had stayed on. Deciding to switch majors was one of the hardest choices I had to make so far, but I’m glad I continued to my Bachelor’s and found a new path.
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried. I’ve had my fill; my share of losing. And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing
FIT has certainly brought me a fair share of laughter and tears. I have made some of the craziest, silliest, best friends in the world over the past four years, and done some ridiculous and completely unforgettable things. On the flip side, if you ask my mom, I’m sure she could regale you with stories of late night crying phone calls and exasperated, endless discussions about my future, but looking back now it’s hard to remember those bad times. I would say don’t stress so much about making decisions and going crazy over little upsets, but it is hard to realize that in the moment.
For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught. To say the things he truly feels; And not the words of one who kneels. The record shows I took the blows – And did it my way!
You just have to do work that you can be proud of, and put your all into it. There are going to be obstacles and mistakes along your journey, I can guarantee it, so don’t worry about if it is going to happen, just know it is so important to not let those hardships stop you. And don’t be afraid of change, because change is not the end, it is not failing.
If you are a graduating senior in high school or college, I hope you feel as fulfilled as I do as you look back on your time thus far. And if you are facing a new chapter in your life, I hope my cheesy quote-advice will help reassure you as you begin a new path on your adventure.
Thank you so much for reading my posts for the past two years!
