Ephese Germain

I chose my major a month before submitting my college applications. I’ve always been quite indecisive about making strides like that as, although I knew I could always change my major later, I felt the stakes were too high considering having to re-adjust to a whole new course (and payment total!). Second, I couldn’t even begin to imagine what my future would be like in the next year. I had no true desires, passion, or ambition. Of all the college prep complications, my parents’ overbearing expectations had been the most challenging aspect to manage. Unfortunately, I learned three quarters too late into my high school career that I had to take courses and select my path for me, not them. My job served this idea to me as a hapless reminder every day for lunch. After working in retail, slaving away to the demands of snotty customers who trashed the floor with stray hangers and bralettes after peeing in the fitting room, all for a measly paycheck and half-hour awkward commute to and fro with my parents, it was imperative that I chose a career path that I’d truly love in the future. Even if I had to deal with similarly deplorable conditions, at least I’d know it was all for the sake of work I really valued. It was through the use of this benchmark that I narrowed my several major options down to one: fashion.

Becoming fully enthralled in the fashion industry really changed my entire perspective on life. The confidence and ambition I’ve gained from studying everything from textile economics to business management and garment design surpasses the realm of my studies and seeps into my everyday life and alternative activities as well. I’ve become bolder in trying new foods and hobbies, as well as meeting new people and going new places. Studying haute couture meant embodying my true self and its value- believing in my own potential.