One of the questions we hear a lot in school is "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and I love that question because it is so fun to answer. So many possibilities and ways to prepare for your chosen future. My answer has been the same since 2nd grade; I want to be a fashion designer. I want to be a fashion designer because I have always loved clothes and putting fashionable outfits together. I also love art so I enjoy sketching and doodling new designs. A few years ago I was feeling a little discouraged because I had known for years that I wanted to be a fashion designer, but I hadn't been able to act on it so my mom helped me find someone in my town to teach me. We found an amazing lady who received a degree in costume design, has been sewing since she was very little, and actually taught at some colleges. She agreed to do private lessons with me and I was ecstatic.

Our first project was a dress pattern that was quite difficult for a beginner, but I am happy with my choice because she was there to help me read the pattern and learn to create a garment from plain fabric. After that first garment, she moved away so I had to teach myself after that. I used books that she recommended, online sources, and various locals to help expand my knowledge. It has been almost a year and a half since I finished that first dress and since then I have made at least 8 skirts, 4 tops, a romper, 2 fashionable aprons, and I am currently making 2 dresses, one from a pattern and the other is my own original design. My short term goal is to design and make my junior and senior prom dresses. I know I am not perfect and I am still constantly learning new things and expanding my skills. I know art school and fashion careers can be very competitive so I am trying to prepare myself as much as possible for my future.

Highschool is the best time to explore different interests and try to narrow down what you want to be when you grow up because it is a time of finding yourself and the sooner you make the decision the sooner you can achieve your goals. Always look for teachers and other people you can learn from and don't be ashamed to say you don't know something, because if you don't admit it then no one will teach you. These are some things I have found that are bringing me closer to my goals and I hope that this inspires you to take the initiative now. Figure out what you're good at \ what makes you happy and go for it!