Career Roadmap
Maria's work combines: Fashion, Design, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Meadowbrook High
Bachelor's Degree
Fashion/Apparel Design
Virginia Commonwealth University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Compliance Managers:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Fashion/Apparel Design
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Decided I had to graduate high school early because I was pregnant.
2.
Signed up for online and night classes as well as going to school during the day.
3.
Graduated high school.
4.
Started working various restaurant jobs under the table because I did not have proper documentation.
5.
Applied to become a U.S. resident and began thinking about what I wanted to do in life.
6.
Got my papers- signed up for community college arts foundation program and got a job at Capital One.
7.
Applied & got accepted into VCU Fashion Design program, at the same time received a job promotion.
8.
Balanced working and going to school full time until I finally graduated Spring 2016.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Why do you want to be a designer? Are there even any jobs in that field? You're not going to make any money, you're going to be a struggling artist. What about your son?
How I responded:
I found something I truly want to be in life, I found a career path. As long as you are pursuing what you truly want to be in life with honesty, passion, and perseverance, you will be successful.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
As a single mother at 17, I faced many financial hurdles. I maintained a full time job while going to school with the help of my mother for childcare.
I worked very hard to learn English and overcome the negative stereotypes associated with us while keeping my heritage alive. When I finally got my papers, I made it my mission to become successful for my family's sake.