Katie Taggart

graduate

Hometown: Puyallup, Washington

What is something you wish everyone knew about your major? Sometimes I feel like people can underestimate Apparel Design and majors. Because it's about clothing and fashion it can sometimes seem shallow or easy but I hope people understand the amount of work and talent that goes into the fashion industry. In addition to my education, I have been able to work firsthand with factories and designers at a few internships and it has introduced me to so many wonderful, kind, hardworking, and talented people (both within the major and the industry). I am so proud to be part of an industry made up of a community like this.

What was your most impactful class or professor? My most impactful professor has been Dr. Gwia Kim. She has been my advisor for the last few years in MODE Fashion Club and has been my professor for the majority of my classes for the last few years. She has always taken the time to listen to me and my concerns and has never gotten annoyed with my countless emails. I'm so thankful for her influence throughout my college career these last few years.

What are you excited for in your future career? I'm most excited for my future career to begin! I feel like I've been working towards it for such a long time and I feel so ready to start. I can't wait for the next chapter of my life to unfold and see what God has planned for my life post-college and in my career.

What advice do you have for incoming students? My best piece of advice for incoming students is to make time for what's important. The habits you develop in college will stick with you the rest of your life, so by practicing your work/life balance now you'll be setting yourself up for a better future. Even when life gets busy and there's a million assignments and things to do, make the time to take care of yourself and to spend time with friends and doing things you enjoy.

How have you grown during your time at SPU? I have grown more than I think I could ever express during my time at SPU. I am coming out of my college career more confident in myself, my talents, and my future than I could have ever imagined. I'm so thankful for the endless growth opportunities that I have been given and taken during my years at SPU.