Day 10 - Training

The last three semesters at Allegheny were rough to say the least.  Because I chose to chop up my college experience quite a bit, I had lost credits.  In order to graduate on time, I overloaded my classes taking up to 24 credits for the remainder of my college career. 

Spring of my Junior year I practically had a breakdown, not unlike many college grads who burnout during that same semester.  It was then I realized my future was wide open and that it could be whatever I wanted it to be...I just had to choose something. 

I was a good student in math & science, straight A's but did I want to go that route?  I happened to have a talent for photography and art, but could I be successful if I further explored and chose that option?  I had an affinity for international study and spoke French.  Should I have gone on to earn my certification to become a French instructor, perhaps moving to France to teach English to French students?

Too many questions rolling around in my head.  Was I focusing on the right course of study?  Did I really make the most of college both socially and with regard to my education?  The world was at my fingertips.  How could I possibly choose the path of my future? 

At the time, I felt like college just confused me more and clouded my plans to become a fashion designer, my only true gut desire.  But was it just a childhood dream?  I mean, was that a serious option for me?  I knew I didn't have the proper training from a fashion focused school.  Could I compete with students from FIT, Parsons, Central St. Martins and RISD?  Was my training in costuming and construction enough?  Would I even be good at it?

Lots of coaching from my mom & dad, tears, stress, and sleepless nights later, I made a decision to stick to the plan, focus on fashion, continue to sharpen my sewing skills and get myself to New York City, whatever it took.