By Rosa Stancil

Towards the end of last week, as New York Fashion Week was quickly approaching, I realized that I’ve accomplished almost all of my goals for college except volunteering at New York Fashion Week. With only a day or two in between this thought of mine and the start of New York Fashion Week, I knew that the odds were most certainly not in my favor. People plan months out for these events. However, I knew deep down that I owed myself giving it my best shot. So, I contacted anyone and everyone I could find that had anything to do with fashion week. I contacted big and small brands alike over Linkedin, Instagram, and email. I knew I had to do this for myself so I could say I gave it a shot, but due to my tardiness I never believed that I would hear back.

Soon enough Thursday afternoon rolled around. I was frantically searching for opportunities on Linkedin. I decided I would simply type in “NYFW” and see what came up. After some scrolling, I came across a post from a woman named Jenn who worked at a NGO called the International Justice Mission. She had posted about an event they were throwing called “Runway for Justice”. I was intrigued and clicked on the post to learn more. Her post explained that the International Justice Mission was partnering with Elegantees, an ethical fashion company, to host a fashion show. However this fashion show would be about much more than clothes. 

The fashion show would serve as a statement and instrument to encourage people to imagine a world without exploitation. A world where justice touches everything, including fashion. A world where we can confidently wear our clothes because we know that the people who made them are flourishing. 

If you know me, you know this is right up my alley. As we all know, fashion, unfortunately, is filled with injustice around the world. I’ve always envisioned myself taking action to help change this. So, I reached out to Jenn. I shared with her my shared passion for the mission, that I would be willing to help in any way, and attached my resume.

Within the next few hours Jenn had responded and my flight had been booked. I could not believe it. I was going to NYC for NYFW!

I stayed with friends and got to spend three days in the city. I had such a great experience. Not only was I able to help set up the event, pack swag bags, and steam the clothes, but I was also able to attend the fashion show and network with guests of the event. 

Although I didn’t work with a big designer, I am so grateful for my first NYFW experience. The show was a truly moving and special event. I am so happy I was able to play a small role in such an impactful project. 

While I could go on and on about the rest of my weekend, the main thing I want to point out is that YOU CAN DO IT! As humans, we often think we aren’t capable of as much as we are. If you want something, take action to get or achieve it! Even if you yourself don’t necessarily believe it will work, try. Keep trying and take action to make it happen!

I easily could have had the thought of “I wish I was going to NYFW” and not taken any action because I believed it was too late. But instead I took action. I kept taking action until I got the result that I wanted. Wanting something to happen isn’t good enough, you have to make it happen. 

So, I encourage you, next time you want something, whatever it may be, don’t just think about it, take actionable steps to reach your goal. You never know, you just might end up on a spontaneous flight to NYC!