Meet Two Wilson College of Textiles Spring Connect Students

By Meggie Metcalf

The Spring Connect program gives students the flexibility to choose how they spend their fall semester: working to gain valuable experience, attending Prague Connect or taking courses at a community college are just some of those options. Students who choose to take courses elsewhere before entering NC State in the spring are encouraged to work with Wilson College advisors to choose degree-applicable transfer courses. Read below to learn how two Wilson College Spring Connect students have maximized their time at NC State and the advice they give to other Spring Connect students. 

Amanda Giroux

Graduated May 2022

B.S. Fashion and Textile Management: Brand Management and Marketing

Up Next: Production Coordinator for Kohl’s

Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to attend NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles. 

When I was growing up, I really liked fashion. In third grade, I used to pick out a new outfit to  wear each night, taking time to pick out  accessories and hairstyles to go with it. As I grew up, that passion got stronger. As a sophomore in high school, I enrolled in an apparel class with a fantastic teacher. One day during class, a representative from the Wilson College came and talked to us about the academic programs. After that semester, my teacher left my high school and came to work at the Wilson College.

During my senior year of high school, I was applying to colleges and like many, could not decide what I wanted to study. My former teacher offered to give me a tour of the Wilson College, and I fell in love with the intimate atmosphere; everyone was so friendly. The “number one college of textiles in the country” had a ring to it, and it felt very special. As a graduating  senior, I can say I am very happy and proud of my choice. 

What experiences have been the most impactful during your time at NC State and the  Wilson College of Textiles? How will your experiences impact your future career?

I am more of a reading and history person, so coming to a STEM school was a tough choice. I  can say I have really enjoyed my classes at the Wilson College of Textiles. What helped me  most was meeting and becoming friends with my classmates. The friendships I have made at  this school have been really impactful and were especially helpful during the pandemic. I could not  have been as successful in my academic career without studying with my peers. Learning about the textile industry as a whole has been extremely beneficial to my education,  not only academically but also personally. I pay more attention to how I shop and am proud to say I am a sustainable consumer.

During the pandemic, job searching was very difficult. My friends and I struggled to search for  internships. When the textiles career fair came back in person, I got an interview with Kohl’s, which led to being hired as a production coordinator; I will be moving to Milwaukee in the fall to  begin my training. I am grateful for the Wilson College of Textiles and for the platform I have  been given to learn and start my career in retail.

What advice would you give to incoming Spring Connect students?

Do not be discouraged by a late start! You earned your spot and you are here. My first semester at NC State was tough. It was hard making friends and figuring out campus life. My sophomore year, I took the opportunity to get involved in school activities, which really helped me make friends and enjoy my experience overall. I am an active member of Phi Psi Textiles Fraternity and was an executive officer leader for one year. I am also a writer for Platform magazine, the fashion magazine at NC State. I have made many friends and both organizations are so much fun. I recommend getting involved! I also recommend looking for jobs and  internships as early as you can to begin building your resume because this will help with your future career. Good luck and Go Pack! 

Madelyn Flores

Senior

B.S. Fashion and Textile Management: Brand Management and Marketing

Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to attend NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles. 

I grew up in Mooresville, North Carolina, and upon high school graduation, I felt like I knew almost everyone there. I chose to come to NC State because I loved the appeal of a bigger school in a bigger city where I could meet new people and be involved in different activities. I originally applied as a business student but knew there was something different I wanted to pursue. During my fall semester at Wake Tech, I began to research other major options and found the Wilson College of Textiles. I knew I did not want to design fashion or textiles but getting to learn more about the industry still intrigued me. I reached out to the advising staff and eventually found my home in the Wilson College of Textiles in a program that I love and am passionate about. I have always loved clothes and being creative while also having a business/analytical mindset and I feel so lucky to have found the perfect community for that here!

In my personal life, I love working out, reading, hiking, traveling and spending time with my friends and family. NC State has helped grow my interests more than I could have ever expected, and I am so thankful for my time spent here so far. 

What experiences have been the most impactful during your time at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles? How will your experiences impact your future career?

The experiences that have been the most impactful have been the ones I made in various work experiences and group projects. Over the past two-and-a-half years, learning to work with different people has grown my confidence, bettered my communication skills, and challenged my time management. I have been able to dip my toes into different skills, roles and topics, which has allowed me to figure out the areas I am truly interested in and passionate about. This will impact my future career because I am now better equipped to know which areas I do or don’t want to be in and I know how to work effectively with others. I am so grateful to my  professors and the opportunities they have given me along the way! 

What advice would you give to incoming Spring Connect students?

Get involved! The best thing I ever did was put myself out there and build relationships. At first, I was nervous to join NC State in the spring semester. I was worried I would feel out of place.  However, once I actually got into my classes and began to meet people, I realized that I didn’t have anything to worry about. The community at NC State is so welcoming and inclusive, so it is very easy to make friends and meet new people if you just give yourself the chance. Looking back, I am so thankful for the people I met during my first year, and it is those same friends that I am the closest with today!  

I am involved with the University Honors Program, Fashion Group, NC State Young Life College, Student Alumni Association and NC State’s Chapter of National Society of Leadership and Success.