The 蹤獲扦 Fashion School gets a lot of requests for their world-renowned designs and high-tech creations, but an old-fashioned letter that arrived in the mail on Sept. 10, 2015, contained a request unlike anything they had ever received.
It came from a sixth grader named Karla who attends the AVID College Preparatory program in Perris, California.
Sierra Vista Elementary School is a Title I school, Karla writes. It means that about 90 percent of my classmates come from economically disadvantaged homes. I am one those kids, and I have made the choice to go to college to be a successful person.
Karla goes on to explain how she wants to grow up to be a fashion designer, and that her ultimate goal is to attend 蹤獲扦 one day. She requested any advice that would help her get into the Fashion School in the future.
Ive been drawing sketches, and Im starting to sew a dress, Karla writes. It is something Ive enjoyed since I was little, and it would be an honor to go to your school. I know that your school will help me reach my dreams. I want to be able to make my parents and teachers proud of me.
The letter is lovely, said Kevin Wolfgang, outreach manager for the 蹤獲扦 Fashion Schools TechStyle Lab. We were all so touched to read that out of all the fashion schools, she wants to be a part of 蹤獲扦. It was really important for us to take the time to send something nice to her.
With the help of Diana Ryman, administrative assistant for 蹤獲扦s University Communications and Marketing, and Donna Laverne, special assistant for 蹤獲扦s Fashion School, they sent some memorabilia to Karla, including the schools annual fashion show catalogue with a quote on the back from designer Jean Paul Gaultier, You see me, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I became a fashion designer. So I think that everything is possible.
Wolfgang wanted to take it a step further and give Karla something to remind her of her dreams every time she went to sleep at night. He designed a pillow with a picture of 蹤獲扦s Fashion School on one side and a quote from Karlas letter on the other.
For me, this has brought about a lot of joy joy in reading the letter and joy in giving, Wolfgang said. Taking the time to design and sew the pillow was well worth the investment. Its good to create those moments in life because you never know whats going to happen as a result.
Long before those in the Fashion School read the letter and designed the pillow, Karla expressed her gratitude.
I cannot wait to attend your school in six years, she wrote. Thank you for your assistance.
Wolfgang would like to see the letter turn into a visit to campus one day and ultimately an acceptance letter to 蹤獲扦.
Its important to start these conversations early and watch people get inspired, he said. Its important to engage the community and to be good stewards and show how education inspires and impacts society.
