Scholarship / Personal statement. Major: fashion design for embassy track undergraduates gks 2024/25 [6]

PERSONAL STATEMENT

As I sketched my first garment at age 8, I discovered my passion for fashion. At first, I did it for fun, but as I grew up, I found out that there was more to it than just fun. Even as a child, I spent hours watching my mother's skilled hands sew traditional African styles on her sewing machine. And she was a tailor, but she had to take over my dad's chemist shop when he passed away. The vibrant colors and intricate designs sparked a creativity within me that I couldn't ignore. My curiosity about fashion's endless possibilities motivated me to learn about the design process and the art of bringing ideas to life. To me, education is a treasured value in life due to my parents's experiences, who faced poverty and forfeited their own education to work and support the family. Their sacrifices fuel my zeal for education and my commitment to making the most of the opportunities they never had. I've learned to thread hope into the fabric of my dreams. I pursued a career in fashion design.

I graduated high school with distinction, consistently ranking among the top 5 students in my class. While fashion design remains my true calling, I had to prioritize my family's well-being and secure a job after graduation, putting my dreams on hold.

To kill two birds with a stone, I got a job as a salesgirl in 2019 at a clothing store in the market where we sell ladies' clothing, both young and old. It improved my critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills as I was exposed to real-life issues where I helped customers choose clothes to match their skin tone, body shape, and the occasion they needed them for. In my role as a salesgirl at the clothing store, I provided styling guidance, combining tops and pants to enhance a customer's overall appearance and boost their confidence. She was so impressed that she referred several friends to the store, resulting in a significant increase in sales. This experience demonstrated my ability to communicate effectively with customers and create designs that meet their needs.

During my time as a salesgirl at the clothing store, I gained invaluable insights into the fashion industry and developed skills that have prepared me for a career in fashion design. I encountered a challenging customer who was dissatisfied with our store's sizing options. So I listened attentively to her concerns, offered empathy, and provided tailored solutions, including special ordering a different size. By actively listening and addressing her needs, I turned a negative experience into a positive one, resulting in a loyal customer and a significant sale. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability in customer-facing roles. Through interacting with customers, I learned about diverse styles, preferences, and body types, which taught me the importance of inclusivity and adaptability in design. I also developed a keen eye for detail, ensuring accuracy in inventory management and visual merchandising. These experiences not only honed my skills but also instilled in me a sense of purpose. It also deepened my understanding of the fashion industry, and it also instilled in me a passion for creating garments that make people feel confident and beautiful. Now I'm eager to apply my knowledge and skills to create clothes that inspire and delight. I resigned after two years due to a change in environment and relocation. I also got a job where I work as an office clerk in my community. I have honed my skills in fashion illustration and pattern making through online tutorials and DIY projects during my free days and also at night after work. I also upcycled my family's old clothes, and I was able to sew dresses for my family each time we plan to go to ceremonies.

My fascination with Korean culture began when my cousin introduced me to Korean drama when I was in middle school, grade 8, which sparked my interest in their fashion industry. Through watching Korean dramas, I learned basic Korean phrases and vocabulary, such as 'annyeonghaseyo' (hello) and 'gamsahamnida (thank you). Although I'm still in the process of learning the language and not yet fluent, my enthusiasm for Korean culture and fashion has only grown stronger. I'm eager to further immerse myself in the language and culture by studying fashion design in Korea, where I can combine my passion for fashion with my appreciation for Korean culture.

Fashion is a dynamic and ever-changing industry that reflects cultural, social, and economic values, and it can lead to cultural insensitivity, exploitation, economic instability, and so on, when mishandled. My ambition is to become a fashion designer who not only creates stunning and innovative clothing but also harnesses the power of fashion to drive positive change. With expertise and dedication, I aim to maximize the industry's potential for good by promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical practices while mitigating its negative impacts, such as waste and exploitation. Through my designs and professional endeavors, I strive to make a lasting, responsible, and beautiful mark on the fashion world. Under the Global Korean Scholarship, I will have the opportunity to achieve this ambition.

I am driven to apply for a global Korean scholarship to pursue my passion for fashion design because I believe that fashion has the power to transform individuals and communities. The Global Korean Scholarship will enable me to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to turn my vision into a reality, and I'm excited to contribute to the global fashion industry. If given a chance to pursue fashion design at the Korean University, I will immerse myself in the Korean fashion landscape to gain an insider's perspective on how it functions in an Asian country setting.

Korea, a global fashion powerhouse, has revolutionized the industry with its innovative design, bold styles, and cutting-edge technology. As a fashion enthusiast, I am drawn to Korea's vibrant fashion scene, which seamlessly blends traditional heritage with modern trends. I aspire to exchange fashion knowledge and expertise with Korea, sharing the unique styles and techniques of my home country, Nigeria, while learning from Korea's renowned designers, trendsetters, and industry experts. Through this cultural exchange, I aim to fusionize fashion boundaries, merge styles, and create a fresh aesthetic that celebrates our shared passion for fashion. Through my studies, I'll develop a deep understanding of Korean fashion and acquire skills in design, marketing, management, and language skills in Korean to enhance my understanding and communication. I want to promote Korean fashion in Nigeria, fostering cross-cultural understanding and economic growth. My goal is to bridge the gap between the Nigerian and Korean fashion industries, driving cultural exchange. By achieving this, I'll make a meaningful contribution to the fashion industry and society. The experimental form of learning offered by Korean University will improve my problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking. By embracing fashion's global potential, we can create a more connected, sustainable, and culturally rich world.

The Global Korea Scholarship would be a lifeline, enabling me to focus on my studies and talents. I promise to make the most of this opportunity, inspiring others through my journey and contributing to the global fashion industry with creativity, passion, and purpose.

Furthermore, I'm certain that after graduation, I'll be able to bring Nigeria and Korea together through cultural exchange and innovations.