My name is Maddie Jankowski and I will be a transfer student at FIT this fall. Strangely enough, a year ago today, I was committed to Boston University for political science. However, due to financial circumstances, I was devastatingly torn away from this path. Despite this, I believe that it worked out in my favor. After withdrawing from BU in June 2021, I applied to Georgia Southern University for political science. Something changed in me, though: I had a sudden, perhaps impulsive, urge to completely derail my pursuit of politics. Over the years, I've had a distinct yearning to work in the fashion and apparel industry. I was obsessed with runway shows and red carpet looks, consuming myself with knowledge about designers and brands. It took time to realize, but I thrive with respect to creativity. I have an insatiable hunger for inspiration and an invaluable appreciation for the arts. So, it hit me. Why not make that my job? I know it's cliche, and I know it's cliche to say something is cliche, but YOLO. I want this, and knowing myself, I'm going to do what it takes to have it. Today, I can pat myself on the back for doing just that: What it takes. In my one year at GSU, I landed a contract as a temporary sales rep at travel shows, harvested connections with apparel brands in Los Angeles, and started my own jewelry business. I have explored many avenues to not only be a part of the industry I admire but also attract my dream career. As a result, I get to bear the fruits of being a student at my dream school. And this time, I won't allow money to be a barrier to that.