Graduation

On December 8, 2018, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in fashion merchandising and minor in general business from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of the Arts.

This was such a surreal moment for me. Unlike the average college student, it took me six years to graduate. Originally, I started college at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. I even majored in something different — Psychology. Then, I transferred to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) where I bounced from Speech Communication to Marketing to Business Administration. While I was at NOVA, I worked at Designer Shoe Warehouse for a few months and then as a full-time federal government employee. I have been in the government for four years.

Finally, I transferred to VCU. Funny thing is that I applied to VCU in my senior year of high school and was accepted. But, I decided to go to Winthrop because I wanted to go to an out-of-state college.

The fashion program at VCU is rigorous yet very rewarding. It is a part of the School of the Arts where only 25 percent of applicants are accepted every fall semester. I was taught by very knowledgeable professors who have worked in the fashion industry. Also, I have met a lot of diverse and passionate students. I am forever thankful for all that I have learned and people I have met from the program.

So what now? My classmates always asked me what I would be doing after college. I plan to continue to work in the federal government and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors on the side. Also, I would like to attend graduate school (online) within the next two to three years. Currently, I am looking at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

If you just graduated or are graduating soon, what are your post-college plans?

P.S. Video of the VCU Commencement is below. You’ll see me at 11:40.