Ahhh, May is here. It’s time to get studying for SAT’s, AP exams, and Regents and Finals. This week, I’m completely keeping a focus on my future and my future goals. After all, I’ll need some kind of reminder as to why I’m staying up so late to study.

As my friends came back from college visiting, they returned with many worries and little reassurance. They look at me with envy because I know exactly where I want to go and what exactly I want to do. In any case, the questions I would ask while on college visits would be “How strong is its Fashion Design program? What is their credibility for it? Is it a SUNY? Is it in the center of one of the biggest and most thriving-in-fashion cities in the world?”

The only college that has been able to answer all these questions with “Yes” or “Outstanding” so far, has been FIT. So now, I’ve found my dream college. What, may you ask, am I doing to ensure that I get in to it?

Well, as far as my portfolio, that’s exactly what the drawing classes at FIT are for! Not only have I gotten to experience FIT firsthand and find out that it truly is the school for me, but I’ve built up my skills tremendously. In one day, my figure’s ‘faces’ have gone from alien-looking to decent and still improving. I’ve learned how to make clothes not only realistic, but three dimensional. My drawings used to show clothes with no point of entry, but now they have zippers, pockets, and buttons and even convey texture. Just last week I turned in my first assignment; a presentation of spring related separates, including an inspiration board and swatches. It gave me an idea of just what kind of hard work fashion design is, and all the different aspects that go into it.

We also saw the FIT college students’ exhibit. It was absolutely incredible, and only made me want to be apart of this institution even more! The fabulous garments gave so much inspiration and showed how dedicated these students are to their work.

This summer, I’ll be working on my portfolio and my resume, which is practically bursting. My portfolio will definitely be the hard part since there are so many different ideas buzzing in my head. A good portfolio should show that you know the basics, and that you have the raw talent that you need them to mold into skill. It should show a well-rounded collection with versatility and originality. Creativity is key to being in the fashion design industry.

It also needs to show your hard work and strive for perfection. If you’re lazy about your portfolio, it will show bad work-ethic. They won’t want someone who can come up with a good piece every so often over the person who consistently comes up with well-constructed garments.

Everyone tells me I need to look for back up schools, just incase I don’t get into FIT or realize it isn’t for me. My immediate reaction is “a fashion designer won’t have time to waste worrying about a back up plan.” That’s the typical me, my drive is strong and I never stop in the process of getting where I want to. But, subconsciously, I have back up plans, just not very well thought out ones. I will probably apply to Parson’s, RISD, and a few SUNY schools (no out of state schools for me.) But how long am I supposed to be out of my beloved city for?! Do they really expect me to pay twice the money in tuition, at least? It’s all a crazy idea, I tell you.

Since I’ve known for so long what i’ve wanted to do, these past couple of years i’ve spent building stronger skills and a fantastic list of extra-curriculars. For those of you who don’t know what you want to do, I recommend getting involved. Community service will never hurt a college application, and you might find exactly what you want to do by joining a mix of different clubs. Explore every opportunity you are given; that’s how I found my happiness.