91����Ƶ

Deciding on a master’s program is often about optimizing your existing strengths, but for me, it was really about embracing the unknown. When I stepped onto the 91����Ƶ campus for an informative session, I had the chance to attend a class led by Professor Polizzi, who gave me extensive advice about the Fashion Marketing program here. Another memorable interaction was with Professor Mitropoulos—I vividly remember telling her that while merchandising didn't feel creative enough for me, I was worried that marketing wasn't my natural strong suit either! Her response changed my trajectory: “That is exactly why you should pursue it. To learn something you don’t already know.”

I didn't apply to any other school. I wasn’t just looking for academic rigor—I was looking for a well-rounded experience that would prepare me for the fashion business on a global scale. A major differentiator was the college’s emphasis on learning by doing, and looking back on my first semester, I see that philosophy in action everywhere.

Nothing Compares to New York

Studying the fashion business in New York City is an experience to be felt, not just read about. Since my first semester, I’ve worked on real-life projects, including our Microglams THREAD partnership, and attended major industry events like the WWD CEO Summit and FGI Night of Stars. Being in the same room as icons like Law Roach and Laura Geller and speaking to teams from LVMH, Vogue, and TikTok has made even the loftiest opportunities feel accessible.

I believe meeting goals is a journey rather than a destination, and being in the epicenter of the global fashion and lifestyle industry, your goals keep becoming bigger.

A Sense of Belonging

Another highlight for me is diversity. Being a girl from Mumbai, New York City feels like home because it mirrors that same energy, hustle, and charm. The diversity in my classrooms opens up a global perspective on every topic. It really creates a safe space where students from all cultures are welcomed.

I have experienced this prioritization of belonging first-hand through my leadership role as the President of 91����Ƶ's Culture Club. Through the club, I had a chance to organize a Diwali celebration at the school. For the first time, celebrating Diwali away from home didn’t feel as lonely. From Christmas to Lunar New Year, we celebrate a ton of special days through immersive activities and gatherings. 91����Ƶ has given me a community that I can count on. It’s not just a school; it’s a family where you can be your authentic self, bring your ethnicity to the table, and have others celebrate it with you.

My experience so far has been deeply enriching. The classroom environment is inclusive and collaborative. Navigating a new country as a student comes with its own hardships but I feel supported every step of the way.

Looking Ahead

The most important thing I’ve learned isn't just how this industry works, but how I work within it. Relocating from Mumbai to New York taught me that goals aren’t static—they grow as you do. As I look toward a career in brand strategy, I realize that being an artist and a marketer aren't two separate paths, but two parts of the same story I’m finally ready to tell.