I am constantly reaching further realization of the importance in taking time for myself. It could possibly be due to the immense amount of pressure I have always put on myself to constantly produce the best work, and it is helpful that I am able to realize this.

I became immersed in the realm of fashion design about seven months ago, and every single week I would tell myself that it was the “most busy week yet.” I have gotten to the point of acceptance, where I understand that every single week gets busier and busier — I have just become better at dealing with it.

As my skills evolve in the industry and I am able to see my strengths and weaknesses, time starts to become somewhat less of a problem.

It is still a major factor of stress for sure, I just do not worry about it to the immense amount I have in the past. With the skills I have developed over these few months, I continuously enter class extremely sleep deprived, yet have major confidence in my work that dedication has provided me with.

I would definitely not recommend the schedule I embark upon, yet I do believe it has built my backbone more than anything. As I think about my most passionate sense in the fashion industry, I have confidence that creating garments that are as close to perfection as possible intrigues me the most, always leading me back to the warehouse after-hours to perfect the work I am so passionate about.

I have started to accept that my perfectionist characteristics are at times very exhausting, yet they are constantly rewarding, and I have been able to see them pay off.

Knowledgeable of my presence in the fashion industry, I am currently back in my favorite city ever, filled with excitement to where this city will soon bring me. As a fashion major, I truly understand that one of the most empowering, rewarding factors of the industry is being able to re-enter my favorite area—the one where I fully envision myself in the future.

That area for me is New York City, and my current presence happens to be in Joe’s Coffee—another coffee shop. Such a surprise, right?

I found myself this past week awake just about every waking hour, completing projects early and dedicating my life to the fashion warehouse, as I knew I would be entering the city and just needed this time to reflect. There’s something about dedicating so much time to your aspirations, and being able to step aside and reflect on it.

Being in the fashion capital, I am not really stepping aside, and I am more than okay with that—as the realm of fashion is something I could remain in forever. It is important to enter the environment that gives me inspiration to continue to work so hard, as it is the consistent factor which keeps me reaching for my aspirations and goals.

All I can say is, being immersed in the city I fell in love with as a child, continues to fuel my childhood goals and is beginning to turn them into realities.