Just Accepted San Diego Student Aubrey Ransdell Loves Upcycling Fashion

Name: Aubrey Ransdell

Age: 17

Hometown: Naperville, IL

FIDM Grad Year, Major, and Campus: 2015, Fashion Design, San Diego

Admissions Advisor: Joni Ahrenholtz

Tell us a little about yourself: I started sewing when I was eight years old and I've loved it ever since. Outside of fashion I'm passionate about the environment and recycling—I like to combine both interests by upcycling clothing into new creations! I love finding weird fabrics at thrift stores and making it into a completely different garment. Giving new life to old fabric is sometimes challenging, but it helps keep me on my toes. Recycling benefits everyone.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments: I competed in my first sprint triathlon last summer, and now I'm hooked on them! Training for triathlons with my friends has been a really good stress reliever and it keeps my energy level up!

Who or what inspires you? I'm usually inspired by my surroundings. Right now it's summer and I love getting color theme ideas from the flowers growing in our backyard garden.

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? Walking into FIDM for the first time I could already feel the positive energy from all of the admissions advisors greeting the students. It was an atmosphere unlike any of the other fashion schools I had toured.

Describe how you felt when they told you that you were accepted? First I was excited, and then I was really relieved! My admissions advisor, Joni Ahrenholtz helped me through the whole process, which was awesome.

How did you choose your major? I picked Fashion Design because I like coming up with concepts but the hands on part of construction is also very important to me. I knew if I were to try to force myself into a non-creative major at a regular college I would get bored and frustrated. I didn't want to regret not going after my dream, and I know that Fashion Design College at FIDM will be exciting and challenging.

What part of starting FIDM are you most looking forward to? A change of scenery and the new inspiration that the California campus will offer!

What do you expect to gain from attending Fashion College? Insight into the industry and new skills to make me not only a successful designer, but successful in the business world.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? I'd really like to have my own eco-friendly boutique so I can marry my design skills with my passion for recycling and earth awareness.