The beginning of my college application process started by simply googling certain majors and universities I was interested in. I remember specifically performing such searches in the library of my high school, while I should've been doing other work. While the small anxieties of physics tests and algebra homework nagged at my mind, something that always put me in a calmer world was fashion. FIT and Parsons School of Design, both based in NYC, flooded the most recently searched section of the school computer.
I felt like a child guilty of taking the last seat on the bus or something. How could I possibly tell my parents, who's vocabulary has never included words like "Moschino" or "Vetements", that I wanted to attend a fashion-based institution? And, oh - it'll cost you like $60,000. Love ya! No. I had to do something that would guarantee me a stable career, no matter how miserable the road would be.
Honestly, I had not the slightest clue who I wanted to be on this Earth. So, on a whim, I applied to volunteer at a hospital for a summer. I got accepted, and spent 18 hours a week helping anesthesia-induced patients get out of bed. My favorite part of the job was working in the inventory basement. I had my own desk, phone, and notepad to keep track of what the nurses were calling down for. I could then search for the items needed and run them up to the nurses station. I still firmly stand behind my belief that my experience at the hospital shaped me into a person who can confidently approach persons of higher authority, be independent, and learn to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
After my volunteer stint, I thought I had it allll figured out. I'm going to nursing school! I'm going to be a nurse, because I was a camp counselor and a hospital volunteer who enjoyed talking with people! It was an obviously smart career choice; the demand for nurses had been on the rise lately. With all of the support in the world from my friends and family, I still couldn't get over my dream of studying marketing and fashion. The idea of applying to FIT was instantly shot down by my parents, but I can't blame them too much. For someone seemingly unsure of what they want to be, nursing was a practical choice.
So, the story could have stopped there. I could have continued studying to achieve something I wasn't fully passionate about. I even tried focusing my personal studies into dermatology, because I love having a part in making people look and feel their best. This is when I realized that I literally just needed to stop and think about my future. I'm 19 years old, have 2 semesters of college under my belt, and certainly have no lawful obligation to stay doing something I hope will merely pay the bills in the future. Now, don't get me wrong; nurses and nursing students have my utmost respect. They go through hell to be able to care for those in need. They are the most selfless people you'll ever meet. I've learned so much about myself that I never would have discovered without my experience at nursing school.
As of late, I just can't hide my love for the ever-changing world of fashion. Coming from a small town on the South Shore of Massachusetts, most teen boys are interested in the watching the next college football game. I was excited for the next Maison Margiela runway, or the Vogue article featuring the iconic Celine Dion. (Read about her Couture week experience here!
In short, I was just afraid to capitalize on my passion in fear of failure or rejection. For any of you reading this, learn from my mistake. NEVER settle for that career that you 'think' you might like after a year or two. If you have a love for anything, whatever it may be, don't let that love go. The happiest people are waking up every day looking forward to going to work. Although, while you're young, you have to make sacrifices - including working jobs you may not necessarily love in order to make some cash. Choosing a college major, though - that's another story.
With that being said, I realize I can't drop everything and run to the boulevards of Paris. You need to acquire some monetary value, some financial security to support you through your journey. My advice would be to start small! If you have limited experience in your field, try applying for some less demanding internships. I'm in the process of starting an internship at Best Dressed Boston - an exceptional clothing boutique in South Boston that specializes in designer dress rentals, styling for a special day, and jewelry. Why spend $500 on a dress you'll wear only once, when you can rent one for $80? Check them out here. It is a small, yet important step for me. I fully support small businesses, and I dream of being my own boss with my own products someday. I know what I want, and the most important thing to do is to get off your ass and WORK HARD!
For those of you who read this far, thank you. It means so much to me to share my thoughts, experiences and opinions in hopes of inspiring others. I hope this article gave you a chance to get a small glimpse of my current life situation... I have so much to think about.
Most articles will not be of this nature. This was a personal post that I feel needed to be shared. This blog will mainly focus on menswear/womenswear, the Boston fashion scene, food scene, lots of visuals, and more! Thanks for reading, see you soon!
Have you or a friend gone through a similar experience of not knowing what to do with your future? Have naysayers ever made you second guess your dreams? Let me know in the comments!
