How Learning Became My Passion
Growing up as fortunate as I’ve been, I never truly understood the privilege of learning. I always saw it as something to dread, not something to love. Something that took up time, not something that kept me busy. A basic everyday activity, not an activity that I would someday miss.
In middle and high school, I didn’t really appreciate the value of education. It was seen as more of a way to engage with others than a way to engage with new material. But once I got to college, everything shifted. I was locked in. My grades were going to be better than they ever have been and I was not messing around. I managed to significantly boost my GPA, going from a 3.2 in high school to achieving a 3.8 by college graduation. While it took a lot of work, that change felt natural because I was genuinely passionate about what I was learning. Fashion merchandising introduced me to new tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and CLO 3D, and the hands-on projects were something I thrived on. Going to class wasn't something I dreaded anymore, it was something I looked forward to. It filled my day with purpose. It allowed me to put on a nice little outfit, go to class, and then grab a coffee before getting started on my assignments. My days were never boring. Even with a spotless apartment, a filled fridge, and completed chores, I always had schoolwork to do. My schedule was always full, but in a way that felt productive and meaningful.
Now, post-grad, as I sit at home reflecting, I realize how much of a gift it was to be in that environment. The chance to learn, to work on projects—it's something I truly miss. I crave that feeling of being busy, of constantly learning, and most importantly, of having a purpose. While staying motivated has been a bit harder since graduating, my love for learning hasn’t faded. I’m still finding ways to grow, whether through online courses, YouTube tutorials, or side projects. Learning doesn’t end with school, and I’m excited to keep evolving, no matter where life takes me next.
Here are some things I’ve done in my spare time:
Created a creative advertisement video for one of my previous projects, Nike Rebirthed
Redesigned my portfolio
Created graphic designs
Created and added a small branding project to my portfolio
Wrote some journal articles
Received course certifications
After Effects
Familiarized myself with essential terms related to After Effects, film, video, and motion design.
Explored the After Effects interface, gaining an understanding of its layout and functionalities.
Learned how to create and manage compositions, including working with layers.
Mastered basic animation skills, including adding effects and customizing motion.
Gained insights into designing in a 3D space within After Effects.
Understood the steps involved in rendering a project.
Applied these skills in a sample project, which included importing a Premiere Pro sequence, animating text and logos, and matching moving camera shots to create dynamic visual content.
Fashion Merchandising Essentials
Gained an understanding of how visual merchandising contributes to brand identity and customer perception.
Learned to create engaging store layouts that appeal to customers' senses.
Explored how lighting, color, music, and scent can enhance the shopping experience.
Developed skills in using display fixtures and mannequins to effectively communicate a store's message.
Received guidance on the skills needed for a career in visual merchandising and the potential career path.
Fashion Design and Styling
Gained insights into the fundamentals of fashion design and the historical context of the industry.
Studied the work of notable designers and brands, including Gianni Versace, Christian Dior, and Ralph Lauren.
Learned how to create and define your own distinct fashion style.
Explored key concepts in fashion design, including aesthetic elements and the harmonious relationship between them.
Understand the psychological impact of color and how to use the Munsell color system and color wheel in design.
Received guidance on transforming fashion ideas into reality and the steps to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
Made some new connections
Applied to MANY jobs