The topic of the essay will answer the following questions: What makes you a perfect candidate for FIT? Why are you interested in the major you are applying to? The essay is also your chance to tell us more about your experiences, activities and accomplishments. (No more than 750 words, please.)
They say that sometimes the things we loose, for example a pet, a person, even an item, are the things that make us who we are. In my case, it was the loss of my dad. I didn't loose him entirely, although I did witness him being taken away and deported back to The Philippines. Though I could speak with him on the phone, he was so much a part of my family that things changed. My mom was forced to work 12-hour shifts, 6 days a week, and I, only 7 years old at the time of my dad's departure, was forced to take care of myself. I did things like cook dinner, clean the house, and run errands; I even started to work at my auntie's bakery shop when I was about 9 years. I didn't mind, because I wanted to help my mom, and I realized how much and how hard she had to work. I knew how to be independent at early age and I have been ever since. That being said, moving from California to New York and studying at FIT is something that I can handle. After giving much thought, I have come to the conclusion that studying at FIT is the next step in pursuing my career in fashion.
The two quotes that always come to mind are, "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle," coined by Abraham Lincoln, and the second quote, "Life isn't fair so don't spend your time feeling sorry for yourself." I never revealed to the world my family's situation, not unless it was to someone I was close to, because what was the point? It wouldn't benefit me, nor did I want people feeling sorry for me. My mindset was to always hustle for the things you want, and that's exactly what I did. Since I was about 4 years old, I had been figure skating competitively. Once my dad left, I would practice at 5:30 A.M., go to school from 8:30 A.M. to 3 P.M., return for an after-school, rink session then finally head home around 6 or 7 P.M. I had hopes of becoming an Olympic gold medalist, so I used to push myself beyond my limits, practice for hours, and was always eager to learn or try new things. I knew it wasn't going to just get handed to me, but that it was going to take hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Though that dream came to an abrupt end due to money problems, I moved on and realized a new dream: I want become a fashion journalist, a dream that I will apply my passion and work ethic to achieve.
I have been reading magazines such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Nylon, and Life since I was in middle school; however, I've also been studying biographies, narratives, documentaries, and archives on major editors, photographers, designers, writers, and political leaders. Thus, became my appreciation for fashion and my urge to work as a fashion journalist.
Once I found out about FIT's Advertising and Marketing Communications program, I knew that this was what I wanted to study. The program's curriculum includes classes that I trust will teach me what I want to know and certainly what I need to know if I'm going to pursue a career in the ever changing and fast paced world of fashion. Not to mention, FIT is located in New York City, the mecca of major magazines, designers, writers, photographers, editors, artists, and much more. The city, of which, is synonymous with fashion, art, music, diversity, and above all, uncertainty; it's exactly where I want to be or moreover where I need to be. FIT's alumni such as Reem Akra, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren are people of whom I respect and admire dearly. It just goes to show that FIT knows what it's doing, especially if it can turn out big names such those. I only hope to one day be as successful as them.
I really want to learn, and my drive, hunger, and passion, combined with FIT's mentorship, will prepare me for a future career in fashion. I trust that FIT will push me beyond my boundaries, and make me earn my way to success, just as it is in the real world. Though this may intimidate most, I, however, look forward to this, and hope that I can call myself a FIT student in the near future.
