Growing up, I was encouraged to pursue my passions. My parents were strong believers that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I was blessed to find my passion at an early age and, with the support of my friends and family, I was encouraged to follow my aspirations. The beauty I found in art engulfed my life and inspired my heart to pursue a life in fashion. I had very specific goals for my future and, although they were not easy to attain, I wouldn’t take “no” for an answer.
It felt too good to be true when I discovered SPU. The University provided small class sizes, which made it easy to create a close bond with my professors. Not only were they able to help me build the skills I would need to excel in the fashion industry, but they were also a great source of encouragement and support.
The Apparel Design program offered classes that made me feel confident in my skillset and set me up for easy transition into my professional career. More importantly, I learned how to apply what I had learned in school to my faith and how my role as a Christian can play an important part in my vocation, as well.
Through the wonderful resources at SPU, I was able to apply for an internship with SanMar, a national clothing supplier. Within three months of graduation I was hired on permanently as the assistant technical designer where I get to do exactly what I love. SPU was instrumental in my success and for that I am forever grateful.
Coming to SPU was a big step in an uncertain direction, but I found comfort in knowing it would be an investment in myself and a healthy future. Like the actor Alan Alda once said, “You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.”