September 21st 2017 was my first time ever visiting UW-Madison and from the moment I got here I knew it was the place for me. Something just clicked. December 15th 2017 was the day that I was accepted into UW-Madison as an undergraduate student and became a Badger. I could not wait to spend the next four years in Madison. However, when the Covid-19 pandemic began, my collegiate path significantly shifted; I was now able to complete my undergraduate degree in three years. My love for the city of Madison coupled with my appreciation for the great education I received and my curiosity to continue my education made me realize that I was not ready to leave Madison after just three years.
During the winter break just before my last undergraduate semester I began researching potential graduate programs for the 2021/2022 academic year. I stumbled upon the MA in Arts and Creative Enterprise Leadership program and was immediately intrigued at the education and prospects that this program had to offer. Unknowingly to me, at the same time my dad was looking into Master’s programs that I could pursue. Later that day when I walked into my room there was a sticky note attached to my laptop that read “Wisconsin School of Business. Master of Arts-Business; Arts and Creative Enterprise Leadership.” It must have been fate. I took this as a sign to look deeper into the program. Upon connecting with faculty of the program, reading current student blogs, and looking into the courses offered, I applied immediately and was thrilled to be accepted shortly after. I couldn’t have been more excited to begin my journey to becoming a Double Badger.
When I began my undergraduate studies, I realized that the arts can be a component of my degree. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by the arts; I was a competitive dancer from the age of 6, visited New York City every few weeks and attended Broadway shows and museum exhibits. As I got older I began to express my appreciation for the arts via fashion. When I got to UW-Madison and realized that I could turn my passion for the arts and fashion into a career I was thrilled; I was a double major in Retailing and Consumer Behavior, and Psychology. Once again, the Bolz Center provided me with the ability to center my education around the arts and I could not have been more excited about it.
The arts have not only shown up in my hobbies and education, but in the areas I work as well. I am employed by a small business located in New York that sells costume jewelry: DASH Accessories. At DASH, I help with social media and marketing, coordinating events, and curation of the current and future jewelry lines. This job allows me to explore my creative side in a structured, collaborative, and professional manner. My coursework and experiences gained from my time as a student in the Bolz Center has allowed me to grow in this position. I now apply the business knowledge and arts practices that I have learned to my role, giving me the ability to be a better member of the team as well as benefit the business.
My work in the fashion industry is just beginning. I am thrilled to be joining Ross Stores, Inc. as an Assistant Buyer in their New York Buying Office as a fulltime employee in Summer 2022. Just as with my work at DASH, this job will allow me to express my creative side and love for the arts in a professional, career driven environment. I am excited to watch myself learn and grow at such an amazing company and cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Although I may be graduating from the Bolz Center in a few short months, I will always be a “Bolzie”. I am grateful for the education, resources, and friendships that this program has provided me with as well as the sticky note left on my computer that got me here.
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