“I’m currently a fashion design student. This is my second semester! Attending college is a beautiful experience that comes with so many challenges. Finding the willpower to go to class, pushing past your personal obstacles to turn in assignments and post on discussion boards, it’s a lot. I have a lot on my plate, but obtaining this degree is something that I want more than anything, so I’m fighting for it. When it gets hard, I remember why I started and what my life will look like after this. My goal after college is to continue my education and career in fashion. I’ve considered the Fiber program at MICA or the Fashion Design/Merchandising program at Stevenson. I also see my business in the next stage of growth and development. I ultimately want to open a storefront. I created my business to help supplement my income and from there I found my purpose. I saw a lack of representation and substance within the fashion and retail industry, so I decided to become more serious about it. 1122 is a clothing, accessory and lifestyle brand that believes in the transformative power of fashion and self-expression. You can find out more on our website at www.the1122co.com or on our social media. In addition to my business, I’m working full time in mental health, which I enjoy, but it has its challenges. Doing that while running my own business and brand and attending school for fashion design is a lot, but it certainly puts me in the right direction on the path of creative entrepreneurship. There’s so much I want to do, so much that I want to be. I’d like to become an established designer with my brand, but I’d also like to become an art therapist closer to retirement. I find creative outlets to be the most fulfilling. I thrive the most in the arts. I feel like my voice and ideas are best communicated through creative methods. Seeing my creativity rewarded at school has been great. It helps that I’ve met some great classmates and professors. Professor Payne was an incredible help to me last semester, a literal angel. Tiffany Rice, a fellow student in fashion design, has served as an inspiration and has helped me a lot as well. I also do my best to support my classmates in their schoolwork and creative endeavors. It’s the least I can do. I’m most proud of my drive and the fact that I’m still here. There were so many reasons to give up, but I’m still fighting. I approach my academics with determination and a desire for success. More than anything, I’d like to join an honor society and graduate with honors. My advice to new students is to keep going no matter what and use every resource to push yourself forward!”
