As a child, I always had a passion for fashion design. I spent countless hours sketching outfits and dreaming up new collections; but considering I was in elementary school, likely none of the sketches were that good. However, as I grew older and started to learn more about other subjects in school, I discovered a love for math and problem solving. I found myself excelling in these areas and realized that engineering could be a great career path for me!

Despite my newfound interest and now career path, my love for fashion never truly died out. It remained a constant in my life, always there in the back of my mind. So, last summer, I decided to pick up a new hobby – upcycling!

The process of upcycling began with me thrifting clothes from second-hand stores. I would search through racks and bins of clothes, looking for items that had potential. It was fun because I never knew what I would find! 

Once I had a few items, I would start the process of reworking them to become cute and unique pieces. This involved cutting, sewing, and adding new elements to the garments. It was a challenging process, but also incredibly rewarding. I loved being able to take something old and turn it into something exciting. This also allowed me to grow my fashion sense and find my true sense of style. 

Through upcycling, I was able to explore my creative side in a way that was different from my engineering internships and classes. It provided a much needed outlet for me to express myself and explore a world with less rules and structure than engineering. I also found that upcycling had a positive impact on the environment. Previously, I used to unknowingly purchase clothes from companies that promote fast fashion. Upon learning this, I tried my best to steer away from giving my money to them. By reusing old clothes, I was able to reduce my carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. It’s a small act, but it feels good to know that I am doing my part to help the planet.

Overall, my experience with upcycling has been incredibly fulfilling. It allows me to combine my love for fashion with my passion for problem solving. It also allows me to pursue multiple interests and hobbies which has created a more well rounded life for myself!