I have always had to push a little harder, work extra hours, and strive until I got what I wanted. Nothing has ever come easy to me other than the strong bond with my family and freedom. My mind tends to work like a to-do list, checking off daily tasks that bring me closer to success. I started from the bottom, working as a customer service girl at Domino’s while in high school—taking orders and making minimum. I dreamed of my future career (owning my own place—store, restaurant or office) in which I could call the shots and which I could claim as my own.

Ever since my high school years, I have always dreamed of being an entrepreneur or landing an awesome job working with a name brand. Over time, I started to develop a love for marketing and business, which later opened a door for me in retail.

While at NC State, I have worked with Gap Inc. for over three years. While my education has done wonders, my true potential slowly revealed itself through my sales associate position. I blossomed into a quick multi-tasker and a stylist that was confident in her selling technique. Building relationships and expanding my network only escalated my success and then it happened…

Tom Sands, former VP of Gap Inc. (North America) stepped into our local Gap, and I just happened to be his first interaction. From there the conversation evolved, and I did everything in my power to maintain the discussion. It wasn’t even 20 minutes into the visit and we were exchanging emails and discussing potential internship opportunities. Before this, a girl could only dream. Less than a year had gone by and Tom and I were still connected. I sent him projects I was working on in school and gave him constant updates on my learnings. My dreams became reality when he offered me the corporate summer internship in New York City a few months later.

From there, it was history! I fell in love with marketing and brand management. I experienced and worked with every aspect of the Gap brand. Below is a picture of my global insights team:

Through all the experiences I created in NYC and the knowledge I acquired, I am one step closer to success. I have fought like a dog ever since and there is no need to give up now.

Currently, with multiple internships on my resume and management experience to my name, I will dominate my senior year and leave college with confidence.

My advice to anyone reading this… life will throw you curve balls. Embrace it. Push harder. Find your success. It may be fun to party, lay around or watch Netflix every weekend, but you’ll soon realize if you don’t get your ass up, other people will steal your dream right from under you.