Arnel San Diego:
Following His Dreams

Arnel San Diego graduated FIDM, Magna Cum Laude in March of 1999. After obtaining his Associate of Arts degree in Fashion Design, Arnel went on to attend the 3rd year Advanced Study Program and showcased his designs in FIDM's Debut 2000. Arnel has won many awards. He was voted one of the "Outstanding Students of 1999"; won the Fred Hayman Scholarship Award; and was a second place winner in both the Andrea Pfister Shoe Design Contest and the Textile Association of Los Angeles (TALA) Annual Scholarship grant. Recently, Arnel won the Rudy Geinrich Scholarship Award for placing first in Junior Apparel for the Fashion Group International, Los Angeles.

Arnel is originally from the Philippines where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications at the University of Santo Thomas. He moved to the U.S. in 1987, where he started working in the insurance industry.

Arnel developed an interest in fashion design growing up in the Philippines and being around numerous designers there. He decided to pursue that passion and chose the night program at FIDM because it complemented his work schedule. Arnel worked full-time while attending the night program at FIDM. He was the sole source of funding for his career, life and school expenses. Having to work to support himself and paying FIDM tuition out of his own pocket made Arnel value the education even more and he took every opportunity to "get his moneys worth".

When asked how he managed to balance his work life with his school, Arnel responded, "It took a lot of hard work and a lot of perseverance but it turned out to be very rewarding in the end. Coffee became my best friend." Arnel looks back at the whole experience with fond memories; he has no regrets and feels very enriched. "I was so proud of myself, because I did it on my own and it worked. I held a job, went to school, won awards, and managed to get recognized for my work and achievements". Arnel couldn't believe that he had accomplished his goal and followed his dream, "You have to devote you life and be committed, I believe in going all the way or not at all". That is exactly what he did and he deserves all the accolades he has been given for his accomplishments.

Arnel is currently designing his own line of clothing from concept to finish: custom-made wedding and evening gowns. Arnel has also designed, sewn and outfitted a contestant in the Miss Teen Philippines - USA Contest. Prior to that, he was an assistant underwriter for The Harry W. Gorst Company and the regional claims assistant for the Republic Insurance Group.

Arnel's advice to you, the prospective night student is: "Go for your dreams and be committed to them and there will be a reward in the end. You may not feel that way while you're going to school but you will soon see when you finish. There will be a lot of doors open to you that were not open before."

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