Students started master classes in AAI about a month ago. One of the classes offered is a class. Students enrolled in this class learned how to thread a sewing machine and about the different parts of the machine. One of the teachers announced, “There’s a free sewing machine here if anyone is interested.”

“I am!” I said. I was the only one to raise their hand. I was really excited because I had been looking for a sewing machine for a couple of years but couldn’t find one that was affordable. For me, this is “a blessing from God.”

I got teary-eyed with immense excitement. I’d been trying to find a sewing machine to pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer, and this gift finally provided me with the most important tool I needed to accomplish it.

Being a fashion designer has been a dream of mine since I was 11 years old. My dream began when my aunt surprised me by gifting me a brand new sketchbook as a late Christmas gift. I’ve cherished this sketchbook since then. I filled it up within the first couple of years of having it.

My plans after high school are to follow through with my dream and go to a school in Atlanta specifically for fashion. I can’t wait to start my dream life after high school.