“I strongly believe that my thoughts can determine the world around me.”
Ali is quite the motivated freshman, pursuing a degree in apparel design and merchandising with a minor in marketing it seems as though nothing can stand in her way. Especially given her list of accomplishments:
-Member of the Appalachian Apparel Association (she just won the most recent Project Runway Inspired Competition and was named one of the members of the week!)
-Cheerleader throughout High School
-Got to perform at the Biltmore with her High School choir
-Named Miss Wilkes Central
-Managed to walk on fire barefoot and acquire absolutely no injuries!
While Ali is a great source of inspiration for others, the people who inspire her to pursue her dreams are her parents. Both of them artists themselves, the encouragement they provided her to go after her major is priceless. When Ali was struggling to figure out what she wanted to pursue, she told me the story of when her mother reminded her of the drawings and designs of dresses she had made as a little girl. Since then, and a fun trip to Atlanta, where Ali got to visit a fashion showcase, she knew that apparel design and marketing were best for her.
Fashion is not the only interest of Ali’s though. She also practices meditation, knitting, hiking, drawing, and of course – what every college student dreams of – eating, sleeping, and being with friends.
Surprisingly enough though, Ali was not quite the social butterfly she was in high school when she had first arrived to App State. However, once she grew comfortable with her surroundings and and new friends, she was quickly back to her old self. Some of her favorite things to do to with these new friends in Boone include adventuring to Rough Ridge at 5 a.m., going to Black Cat and Espresso News, eating at McAllister’s with her roommate, and hanging out with her best friend Jackson.
Through her experience, she’s discovered for herself that “if you strongly believe something will happen to you, it will.”
When asked what she wants her future to look like in the next few years, Ali said she hopes for Bernie Sanders to be president because Donald Trump scares her, and she hopes to be rich and famous all while living in Atlanta working in the fashion industry. But most importantly, all kidding aside, Ali said she just wants to make sure she’s leading a life that makes her incredibly happy.
Lastly, if there’s anything Ali wishes you to know, it’s this:
1. “Don’t worry, people are too concerned with their own appearance to criticize yours.”
2. “Stay positive!”