1: Who am I?

7: 07 AM of September 12, 1993 in Palermo, Italy. 

I was born on a rainy Sunday morning into the loving arms of my parents, Rosalia and Salvatore. I remember my childhood as a traveling suitcase - I visited endless wonders around the world and have encountered many strangers that have made an impact in my life. You may ask, how is that possible? Well.. It's all about memory. Memory is a vital element in an individual's life that has the power to change any kind of emotion, feeling, or situation. For me, memory is the only tool I have that helps piece together different events of my life.

19 years later, here I am. Introducing (and training) myself into the Blogging world -- who would have thought? Those who know me are aware that I am technologically handicapped. I can only function my iPhone -- when "Instagramming" that is.

Raised for 9 years in Sicily, I grew up surrounded by a BIG, ITALIAN family and was raised with important values. And yes, my dad is one of those Italian, super-protective, obsessively loving father. And I love it. My family and I are not a typical "American-Italian" family, just simple and traditional Italian. On my 10th year of life, we moved to the United States to good ol' Michigan and started our own business in the Food & Beverage Industry. I attended Byron Center High School, which is part of a small school district. In all honesty, I hated high school and couldn't wait to leave. The only thing I enjoyed was my Yearbook class, to which I was first Assistant Editor to my dear friend, Emily Petrowitz, and then Editor in Chief under the loving and attentive guard of Mrs. Sanic. I didn't "party" in high school, nor did I get high or get drunk every weekend. I have always been the odd bean in the mix. By the end of my Junior year I was working two jobs and saving for upcoming college expenses. When I started applying to different colleges, I still didn't know what I wanted to do exactly. Typical right? But then my heart found its true passion - bridal. I have always loved Fashion, but I also really loved the business aspect of retail stores, so I put 1 and 1 together and got FIDM.

FIDM, oh my. The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. The best thing that ever happened to me, other than my little brother Andrew! It's not a typical college or university, but it fills my heart with joy and passion like no other human or situation could. I chose to complete their Merchandise Marketing AA program to become a Buyer, and let me tell you -- it's been the craziest 15 months of my life. I have never been so positively overwhelmed. EVER! I have met the most outstanding, loving, caring and passionate people at my San Diego campus.

Oh yes, side note: I did move to San Diego, California. Yes, CALI-FRICKEN-FORNIA. 

Other than the incredible and caring staff, I have to brag a little about my professors. FIDM has the greatest advantage when it comes to providing educators that have experienced the "real world." We don't have professional teachers, we have professionals that teach. These people have dedicated their life to the Fashion Industry and the retailing world, and have decided to share their passions with students who seek to experience only a fourth of what they have accomplished. The Networking possibilities have been endless: from career fairs to guest speakers, to personal meetings with designers to job opportunities, and let's be honest -- the fashion shows!! FIDM has it all -- and I LOVE IT.

This may seem repetitive or a bandwagon statement, but college has changed me. I have grown personally and in skills, as I have moved out from my parents' house and live with two wonderful roommates in SoCal. I am so glad my parents pushed me to move out of state and live for what I believe in and, most of all, follow my dreams. I encourage anyone to experience a different life -- wether it's not swapping your Frappuccino for an iced tea, or taking the longer way home, change will always be good. It may take time to adjust, but it'll be worth the wait. Change is a step of courage that can only lead you forward, never behind. No one should ever settle for something, especially when following one's dreams. Dreams are goals -- anyone can achieve if they only believe.

I believe, and this is my road towards my dreams. Xo

Katia