Just Accepted Apparel Industry Management Student Discovers His Passion

Name: Manny Cocina

Age: 23

FIDM Major: Apparel Industry Management

Campus and Start Date: Orange County, July 2011

Hometown: Guadalajara, Jal. Mexico

Admissions Advisor: Rose Mendez

Tell us a little about yourself. I am a first generation college student. My parents did not believe that career in fashion could be financially profitable. When they began to understand my career and saw my talents as something that could potentially become something great, their support came as second nature. I explored the nursing and biology majors at different institutions, but it didn't feel right.

When I stopped pursing others dreams, that was the moment when I was able to really set my mind on what I wanted to study, and that was fashion. I am an independent student and I understand that there will be many challenges ahead of me in my career, but my drive and passion for this major are what will carry me through until that graduation day.

How did you discover FIDM? I discovered FIDM one night while sitting on my computer typing in “careers in fashion” in the search bar. Considering that at that point I was studying biology, it seemed like a polar opposite. When I began to read about the courses and the school itself, I felt an excitement and attraction to the major that I had never felt before in my academic life. I chose fashion design school at FIDM after 4 years of attending community college and university because I realized that I had to do what I loved.

There are many fashion programs out there, but not many can offer you what FIDM does. From the moment you walk through its doors, the college conveys creativity and innovation. That is the environment for me; a place where I can grow, learn, and immerse myself in as much knowledge of the fashion world as possible.

How did you choose your major? My Admissions Advisor Rose Mendez guided me through my major selection. She was realistic, and thoroughly went through my major with me. She helped me put all my ideas and goals into one major that represented my future in the fashion industry the most.

What are you most excited to learn at FIDM? FIDM is cutting edge when it come to fashion. At FIDM there is always creativity brewing, I am excited to be a part of that and learn from my professors, peers, and advisors. I am excited to learn about the industry I am going into so that I can be well prepared for the real world.  

What do you expect to gain at FIDM? While at FIDM I expect to gain the knowledge and practice necessary, so that when the time comes to face the fashion industry, I can hit the ground running. I feel that FIDM will prepare me for just that.

What are your goals for the future? I see my future after FIDM as being a successful one. The knowledge that I will acquire at FIDM will set me up for success. I see my apparel line expanding and becoming a well known brand that the consumer can appreciate and love.