U.S. Navy Veteran Amanda Vazquez Studying Visual Communications
U.S. Navy Vet Amanda Vazquez has been studying Visual Communications on the Los Angeles campus since spring quarter last year. She's from Laredo, Texas, and has served in the Navy for six years. The work she is putting in at FIDM is a message for her three year old son. She said, "I want him to know that no matter how many curve balls life throws at you, if there is something you truly dream of achieving, you can make it happen as long as you are persistent and hardworking." We caught up with her to get to know her better.
What are your career goals? My main career goal is to familiarize myself with every profession that my degree has to offer. With Visual Communications there are a wide variety of options and I want to ensure that I am a great candidate for any job. I feel that being highly adaptable in the fashion industry is a strong quality that would be beneficial to both myself and the company that hires me. FIDM challenges you to become the best version of yourself, to think outside the box, but most importantly to work hard. I have grown into a more independent person with a clear and direct path that will ultimately lead to a successful future.
Tell us about a connection that you have made at FIDM: One of the strongest connections I have made is with fellow Navy Vet and FIDM Graduate Robin Cote. I had been following her on social media for about a month before I moved out to Los Angeles. I introduced myself to her at a meeting in the Student Activities center during my first quarter and she almost immediately took me under her wing. Since then I have assisted her with a few styling editorials, and she helped to get my name published alongside hers in HUF Magazine. Aside from that, it is amazing to connect with someone who understands you and the way you think. I don't think that I would have come across these opportunities so early on in my studies if she and I hadn't met.
What advice do you have for a Veteran thinking about going to FIDM? For any Veterans looking to attend FIDM I would say that reaching out for help when you need it is crucial. Don't ever be too proud to let someone know that you are struggling with classes, family issues, the transition from military life to being a full time student, etc. Every second of your education counts and you need to make the most of it. Introducing yourself to fellow Vets at the school is really important too. The group of Vets here at FIDM are really supportive of each other and while each of us strives individually to make a name for ourselves in the industry, it is just as important to us to see our fellow brothers and sisters make it as well.
Categories: Visual Communication Military Veteran
