Class of 2016

"When things don't work out, never say no to trying something else. No risk, no reward. Just order some pizza and get started because there is still so much left for all of you to do."

- Joe Zee, 2016 FIT Commencement

Dress: French Connection | Shoes: Loeffler Randall (alternate colors here)

Hair: c/o RPZL Salon via Lookbooker

In many ways a delayed college commencement was just what I needed. I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology last December and started my full-time job shortly after. Having the actual ceremony months later in May just seemed like another task added to the calendar.

But while sitting amongst fellow graduates and celebratory guests last week, I was reminded of the best thing my college years gave me: unending passion. At FIT we don't have sororities, a lush campus, or NCAA sports. But within our two blocks of campus buildings we have a collective sense of drive. As students we learn to take on our goals from the very beginning, trusting that continued passion will overcome any obstacles.

Looking back on my college career, it was nothing I had expected in the best way possible. I graduated early with the job I wanted, but more importantly I left understanding that opportunity is endless as long as we believe it to be. Landing the job is no excuse to stop striving and innovating. Like Joe Zee said, there is so much left for us to do. This is just another beginning. Here's to the Class of 2016!