Standing out is not something that many individuals in my family aspire for.

Individuality isn't prized

very highly. They strive to be in the "hassle-free - job guaranteed" zone at all times. In my youth, I
understood I didn't fit into the conventional educational system, but I persisted because of "societal
expectations" and my parents' belief that I was doing well in science. To be realistic, I had no idea
what I wanted to do with my life. In the middle of my teens, I began to like dressing up. I used to do
it for fun at first, but after a few weeks, I eventually understood that the way I dress reflects who I
am. For the next few years, I worked hard to discover my own unique style, and ever since then, my
style has been a method for me to express myself without having to speak. It immediately enhanced
my self-esteem and originality.

I began putting all of my ideas on paper in the form of sketches when I was 15 years old. It quickly
turned into a desire to work as a fashion designer. My mother, seeing my passion, sent me to
drawing classes, which helped me improve my sketchbook skills. That desire quickly became a
dream. I wanted to be a part of the elite group of fashion designers from my own country, such as
Manish Malhotra, Masaba Gupta, Ritu Kumar, and Sabyasachi.

My mother had to leave for the United States as a math instructor in the state of Georgia two years
later, when I wanted to put my love into a professional stream .I was 17 years old and heartbroken.
She has always been by my side, pushing me to new heights I didn't realise I was capable of. I was
mentally upset when she left, and it soon began to affect my physical well-being. For a year, I was in
excruciating pain. While my classmates were preparing for all possible admission exams and
enrolling in prestigious engineering schools, I was alternating between hospital rooms and my
bedroom. My career and future seemed to be on the verge of collapsing.

I didn't want to cry in the corner any longer. I realised that being emotionally attached to others is
one thing, but losing yourself for them is quite another. I got up, gathered all of my strength, and
began seeking for work. I came across an job opportunity that I couldn't pass up. That one year of
hardship taught me how valuable I am and how powerful I can be. With ease, patience, confidence,
and courage, I can now manage any circumstance. I began to have faith in myself.

Talking to people and communicating with them was a big part of my job. It was a piece of cake for
me because I had been interacting with all of the faculty, students, and higher authorities of my
school since I was the cultural head with over 1000 students to take care of and also the house
captain which came with a variety of responsibilities. Everyone has loved and appreciated me
equally. I learnt how to lead people there, as well as the difference between dictatorship and
leadership. A leader is someone who encourages his or her followers in their decisions while also
guiding them down the path to a common purpose. I honed all of my leadership skills,
communication skills, and an understanding of what working in team is.

Using all of this information in my profession made it easier, but I couldn't enjoy it because I've
always wanted to work in the fashion industry. The pandemic struck the entire world before I could
react. I was bored and stuck, so I began writing and watching any fashion-related episodes on the
OTT platforms. Then I saw a show called "bold type," in which a character named "kat" had a huge
influence on me, motivated me, and inspired me. I wanted to be like her: bold and following her
heart's desires. Then, without knowing it, I began to gravitate toward the business side of the
fashion industry.
I realised that fashion is more than gowns after hearing the stories of great fashion leaders such as
Vera Wang, Victoria's Secret, and Chanel. I wanted to delve into the real world of fashion, which is
more than just a product, and I wanted to learn more about it. All of my goals of becoming a fashion
designer have shifted to the business side of the industry.

Taking some online business and merchandising classes, as well as having some time to conduct my
own study, piqued my interest in the commercial side of fashion. It drew me to major in fashion
business management. I've always preferred a group where I can express myself, whether through a
script or otherwise, and I believe that FIT might just be the platform where I can learn and fit in with
a perspective of my own.

As a result of being in the midst of this pandemic, I've come to realise that life is a bit of a gamble.
You never know how many days you'll have left until it's too late. So I didn't want to waste any more
time debating whether or not it was the right choice for me. My passion for fashion has never
waned, and I don't want to wait any longer to pursue my dream of working in the fashion industry.