Spring into College

By Devayani Taywade Patil

Major: Fashion and textile management, minor in business administration

Class: Spring 2021

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

There are several pathways that students can take to follow their dreams at NC State. Enrolling as a Spring Connect student is just one of them. Julia Sheridan, a Spring Connect student from Charlotte, NC, arrived at NC State in Spring 2018 and will graduate in Spring 2021. In between, she has taken advantage of all of the amazing opportunities that NC State and Wilson College of Textiles has to offer. What will your path look like?

Tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to NC State.

Hi, I am Julia Sheridan! When I was in high school I looked at a lot of colleges in North Carolina. I came to visit NC State and loved it the minute I walked on campus. Everyone was super nice, excited to give more information about the university and I could really tell the students loved where they went to school. I ended up going to more open houses, tours, events and knew it was for me!

What interested you in the Wilson College of Textiles?

My biggest pull to the Wilson College of Textiles was the fact that it is the best, and only, college of textiles in the country. Between the labs, professors, and various concentrations I could choose from, I knew I would find my spot. I love fashion and was excited to learn the deeper process of how what we buy day-to-day is actually made and put on the shelves and how it affects the world around us. 

How did you spend your fall semester before coming to NC State as a Spring Connect student?

During my fall semester of my freshman year, I went to Wake Technical Community College and took general education classes such as chemistry, calculus, English and economics. Throughout my first semester I lived at University Towers (UT) which is located very close to NC State. I was able to room with three other girls who had been admitted for fall, which gave me the chance to interact with students that were already taking classes at NC State. Some spring admits lived at UT, making it nice to connect with other students who were beginning in the spring semester. After seeing how different people handle their fall semester, I truly don’t think there is a right or wrong way to spend the first semester. It is dependent on each individual. 

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

Currently, I co-lead student ambassadors for Wilson College. Within this role, I work with the other ambassadors to run events, connect textiles to the university as a whole and promote the college to prospective students and parents that connect with the college throughout the year. I also am in the textile fraternity, Phi Psi. I joined last year and it has been exciting to get to know other students that are in textile majors other than mine. We go out to dinner, have meetings, plan events, participate in philanthropic activities and more. Lastly, I am a senior class representative for Tompkins Textile Student Council (TTSC) which allows me to voice the thoughts and opinions of the seniors to the TTSC leadership which works directly with college leadership. 

What experiences have been the most impactful during your time at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?

My most impactful experience during my time at NC State was studying abroad. This past spring I was able to go to Florence, Italy where I took part in very interesting and fun classes that all related to my major. NC State did a great job in preparing me to go abroad and made the transition super easy. I did have to return home after a month and a half due to coronavirus, but my time abroad was amazing and left a great mark in my college career. I enjoyed indulging in a new culture and traveling to see things I never knew about before! You are also given the opportunity to meet new people not only from NC State, but students from all around the United States. I would encourage all students to study abroad and would be happy to talk to anyone that has questions about the process or my time there in general. 

How will your experiences at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles impact your future career?

Between my classes, professors and opportunities offered to me at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles, I know I am set up to succeed after graduation. I have learned so much in all aspects of my life that have helped me grow into the person I am today. Throughout my time in college, I have had 4 different internships within the fashion industry. After my freshman year, I worked at Taylor Richards & Conger, a small boutique in Charlotte. I worked as an intern where I helped receive and order merchandise, manage invoices, and help increase customer engagement through social media. The summer before my junior year, I worked as the marketing and communication intern at Implus, a hosiery and sporting goods distributor in Durham, NC. In September of my junior year, I was able to be the production assistant intern at New York Fashion Week under IMG Models which was amazing! Lastly, this past summer I worked as the public relations intern at Jennifer Bett Communications in New York City. I loved all these internships and gained new experiences from each position. I attribute all those opportunities to what I learned at the Wilson College of Textiles and the connections I have made within the college. I have found that everyone here wants you to succeed and make the most of your college experience. There are so many chances where you can meet industry professionals, career advisors and anyone in between. I took advantage of those opportunities and it has made a huge impact on my career. I know that I am able to come to anyone in Wilson College for anything, even after graduation, and believe that they really want to help me succeed. The people are amazing and truly do everything in their power to help you. While I’m sad to graduate, I know that everything I learned on and off campus will further me in my professional career.   

What advice would you give to other incoming Spring Connect students?

You are a student at NC State! Regardless of when you take your first class on campus, you earned your spot to be part of the Wolfpack! Take advantage of all the opportunities that are given to you, virtual or not, because they are intended to help you ease into college, classes, and meet new friends! Join clubs and organizations that will stretch you to learn something new. I’m glad I joined the different organizations I am in because I’ve learned more about myself and have met wonderful people along the way! Don’t be nervous or afraid to speak up in class or even ask where a classroom is. Everyone has the same question, so don’t shy away from any type of assistance. You’ll love NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles. I knew I would love it, but my time here has exceeded my expectations beyond belief and I’m sad this is my last year!