Fashion and Writing and My Semester in Hawaiʻi

So this past semester, I have had the most wonderful opportunity. I’ve attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and have had the pleasure of taking FDM 360 from Amanda Stevens. 

When I originally applied to become a part of the Nation Student Exchange Program, I had no set idea as to what I was getting myself into. I just knew I was so extremely unhappy in my current school situation, if I were to get through my senior year, I needed a change. So I applied to UHM because who wouldn't want to go to school in Hawaiʻi helloooo!

I was scrolling through the class offerings to see what would transfer back to my home campus when I realized they offered fashion writing. This is a career that I have always been interested in, but never actually pursued because my traditional English courses had convinced me that I hated writing. I signed up for it anyway, just because my current university did not offer it and I knew I would regret not taking it. 

Within my first 20 minutes of Amanda’s class I knew I made the right decision. She mentioned we would be learning all of the fundamentals of PR, and all of her interesting past experiences that have shaped her into the instructor she is today. I was so eager to learn more about her that I found myself staying after class numerous times. She has written and worked very closely for Goodwill, had her own TV segment, and blogs of course. She has been invited to countless fashion weeks and reviewed the shows. But my biggest takeaway from her, is how  genuine and caring of an instructor she is. She has been so accommodating, and eager for us to learn, which is a complete 180 from the professors I've experienced in the past. I've learned so much, from how to write a press release, to a commercial script, I feel fully equipped with the skills and knowledge to work in the PR side of the fashion industry. And  after the numerous assignments (many of which are currently on this blog), I can officially declare I love to write. (Freshman year Riley would have laughed out loud reading that). This semester for me, has been about reconnecting with who I am and aspire to be. Amanda is someone I aspire to be like. 

Over the past few years, I found myself changing, and not for the better. I came to Hawaiʻi with the goal to redefine my life and sort of figure myself out. Without this course I don’t think I would have had the same outcome. This semester has helped me rediscover my love for second hand fashion and thrifting, my love for reading, both fiction and nonfiction, (to help me improve my writing), my love for nature, but most importantly my love of sharing and collaborating with others. This course has reignited this love and equipped me with the confidence to start my business, and this blog. 

I found my classmates to be a huge part of this newfound confidence. It was so inspiring to be in an environment (even if it was via zoom) where I was able to listen to other people's interests. Not only in the fashion industry, but in life. I was so thankful to hear them talk about their passions and goals and to see glimpses of their lives through their blogs. My class partner, Jessenia specifically, was one of the most encouraging classmates I've ever had. From the very first class we connected after to get to know each other better and from that initial FaceTime, I knew we would have been such good friends if she was still on island! 

The friendships I've made since being here have truly been indescribable. Every single person I've met has truly been so impactful and inspiring. The friendships I've made have been so much deeper than the surface level friendships you would expect to make, knowing your time in a place is only temporary. With each and every person I've interacted with, I have learned something admirable about them. Whether it was something as personal as to why they felt like they left their home university or something as silly as who they had hooked up with the night before, I found a close group of friends, which is something I haven’t felt like I had in a long time.

One of the people that I've admired the most since meeting while being here was fashion show producer Lynne O’Neill. When Amanda told us she was going to be guest speaking during our class I was so ecstatic. After watching her episode “Aloha Goes Both Ways” I immediately knew she was someone I was going to admire. The way she carries herself and goes about fashion show production is truly amazing. When she spoke with our class, she kept that same Aloha spirit, and truly listened and took her time answering each of our questions. Lynne gave each individual her complete and undivided attention, and heartfelt advice. She encouraged us to follow our hearts, and to go with the flow of where life takes you, which was really something I needed to hear. 

I feel like i'm constantly trying to pursue a million different things to get my foot in the door of the fashion industry. From being involved with the Fashion Association at LSU to staying up to date with the latest internship opportunities, to trying to finish my degree (and then going back to get a second, just to be sure). I felt like I had no time to sit and just let things that naturally piqued my interest (such as blogging).  So with that, stay tuned for the rest of the blog posts, I’m hoping to make this a weekly habit for some “me time”