DreamCatchers
From Barbie to design school Mariana is on full speed toward a career in fashion
Mariana Sosa, 17, discovered her dream at 4 years old. For her, playing Barbie was more than just a fun childhood game, it was the development of her passion. The seventeen-year-old aspires to work in the fashion industry as the creative or fashion director for a luxury fashion brand. From learning to sew at 10 years old to designing her own portfolio and collection, this DreamCatcher is immersing herself in every aspect of the industry to ensure she accomplishes her lifelong goal. Mariana hopes to attend SCAD or Parsons The New School for Design and major in Luxury and Fashion Management next year.
Alexa: How do you stay confident in yourself and have the mentality to never give up when you face rejection?
Mariana: Well, I believe every single girl has flaws and strengths, from physical appearance to social skills. I try to focus on my attributes rather than comparing myself to other people, and I try to embrace these to stay confident. I try to be as optimistic as possible, nothing in this life is granted and unfortunately life is full of surprises, I stick to my goals and if things don’t go my way I come up with an alternate plan. Failures are lessons and I think the secret to success is “keep trying”. We are in control of our attitudes, so I don’t let anyone spoil my day. Everything in self confidence has to do with the way we react to things. I can’t change a situation but I can change the way I deal with it. Stay positive all day and show your strengths.
A: What was the best advice you've been given?
M: No matter what you do, no matter how many times you screw up and think to yourself “there’s no point to carry on”, no matter how many people tell you that you can’t do it - KEEP GOING. Don’t quit. Don’t quit because a month from now you will be closer to your goal than you are now. Yesterday you said tomorrow. Make today count.
A: What is your favorite quote and why?
M: “Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, then who will, sweetie?” – Marilyn Monroe
I really like this quote simply because I think that people see in us what we want them to see. It might sound selfish but before anything or anyone else, we must know ourselves, save ourselves and believe in ourselves. Seriously, don’t try to fit in anyone’s expectations but yours. You were given this life for a reason, and it’s yours, only yours.
A: Who or what inspires you to never give up and always dream big?
M: Honestly EVERYTHING. My inspiration comes from music, people, family, places, quotes, the daily challenges I face, etc. I have always dreamed of working in the fashion industry and my main goal is to someday, become a successful fashion designer, but I am also realistic and know that my dream is not just going to come to me if I don’t work on it. Success is achieved by converting each step in a goal and every goal in one step. My parents have supported me so much in every single one of my goals that I feel they have become one of my greatest inspirations to keep going.
A: What is your next action step you are going to take to get closer to accomplishing your dream?
M: Right now, I'm on my last semester of high school and I think my next “big step” is start my education towards my goal so I plan to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design next fall and major in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. Besides that, this week I started with another one of my projects which is launching a collection for summer 2012, it consists of 20 different pieces and they will be featured on my Tumblr mid March. These pieces will be sold on Etsy and some local boutiques in my hometown.
A: What advice would you give to other DreamCatchers?
M: Know who you are and know it is enough.
A: What is your definition of the word perfect?
M: I think there is no common agreement to the definition of perfect or perfection. For me, being perfect is when you reach your expectations and self satisfaction. But truly, it doesn't exist, because in anything we do or any way we are… there is always a way to make it better, so being “perfect” is just impossible, unreachable, and conformist.
H: The best advice I have ever been given is to follow my heart and don't let other people bring you down. When you are a dreamer and don't dress or act like how the majority of girls your age do it can be very hard on your self esteem. After I was given the advice to "not let other people bring you down" I really did take it to heart. Whenever someone would look at me like I was odd or say something about me I just brushed it off. I have large dreams, and if these people (who are obviously not friends) don't agree with what I like or how I am then it doesn't matter! Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind!
Amanda Cohen, 21, is a student at the University of Florida who has overcome enormous internal obstacles to put her on track to becoming a professional photographer. Amanda’s struggle with her own body image caused her to fall deeply into an eating disorder, which she has struggled with since age 14. “My perfectionism was ruining my life – from classes to friends to the way my body looked, I was striving for something that didn’t exist in order to escape,” she said. After undergoing treatment for her eating disorder and depression, Amanda finally learned not only to accept herself, but love herself. Before her internal transformation, she never believed in abilities to successfully pursue her passion for photography and writing. With a newfound love for life, Amanda has started her own photography business and website, amandaEcohen.com. She currently writes and takes photographs for the Independent Florida Alligator and The Fine Print and is pursuing an internship this summer for photography in New York City. She said, “I thoroughly believe in spreading self-love and acceptance for who you are. I still struggle with negative thoughts, but that’s part of life and what’s important is that I think I do a pretty amazing job at countering them.”
Alexa: How do you stay confident in yourself and have the mentality to never give up when you face rejection?
Amanda: I stay confident by surrounding myself with positive people. It sounds so simple, but it’s hard because it requires cutting some of your best friends out of your life. On my bathroom mirror, and all throughout my room, I have sticky notes with positive quotes and affirmations on them. Whenever I'm having a hard time or thinking there's no use, I remember to slowly read over them; it always makes me feel better. I also believe everything happens for a reason, so if you get rejected it's just because there is something bigger and better waiting out there for you.
Alexa: What was the best advice you've been given?
Amanda: The best advice I've ever been given was by my best friend Erica. She said, "You have a voice, so use it and make it count." Don't allow yourself to be another face in the crowd. If something is bothering you say something. If you believe something is wrong speak up, but the worst thing you can do is stay silent.
Alexa: What is your favorite quote and why?
Amanda: This is a quote I live by, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," by Gandhi. This quote stands out to me the most because if I don't want to do something for myself, I do it for the sake of my friends, family and all the other girls out there struggling, who I want to be a role model for.
Alexa: Who or what inspires you to never give up and always dream big?
Amanda: Feminist activist and journalist from the 1970's second wave feminist movement Gloria Steinem. She was a pioneer during the feminist movement, bringing attention to the exploitation of women and unequal pay in the work force. She created Ms. Magazine and co-founded the National Women's Caucus, all by starting off with nothing in the small town of Toledo, Ohio. I realize if I ever want to accomplish a fraction of the good she accomplished I have to start changing myself first, because you can't preach if you don't take your own advice.
Alexa: What is your next action step you are going to take to get closer to accomplishing your dream?
Amanda: Hopefully, score an internship in New York City or California as either an editorial or photo intern for a magazine this summer. I already have an interview lined up in New York City for Inked magazine, which I chose because, although, I want to work in the magazine business, I don't want to conform and propel the media's definitions of beauty. I'm also hoping to hear back from Ms. Magazine in Los Angeles to help bring light to feminist issues and work for the magazine created and edited by Gloria Steinem herself.
Alexa: What advice would you give to other DreamCatchers?
Amanda: There is always a choice, seek the rainbow in every storm. Also, the only thing standing in your way is yourself.
Alexa: What is your definition of the word perfect?
Amanda: This one is actually written on my bathroom mirror because I always thought the road to happiness was perfection, but that, of course, is just an illusion. My definition of perfect is when you let go of the strive for perfection and instead begin working on finding yourself.
Kristina Blume, 17, uses her passion to help others. Kristina’s dream is to become a fashion designer who gives back to those in need. Last year, she attended Teen Vogue Fashion University and was able to learn from others that have been successful in the fashion industry. She also helped with Brides Against Breast Cancer and was able to raise money for Downs Syndrome Indiana by helping with Midwest Fashion Week. Kristina plans to study fashion design in New York next year to continue working toward her dream. Alexa: How do you stay confident in yourself and have the mentality to never give up when you face rejection?
Kristina: I always just try and stay positive! Facing rejection just makes me want to try that much harder! I don't see rejection as a negative, I see it as an opportunity.
A: What was the best advice you've been given?
K: The best advice that I have been given is that I need to be the change that I want to see in the world. If there is an issue that needs to be fixed, then do something about it! I feel like you need to have your own point of view and stick by it. You never know what kind of change that could take place in this world.
A: What is you favorite quote and why?
K: My favorite quote is, "Never let the fear of the game keep you from striking out." I feel that this is the reason that people don't go after their dreams. You have to be fearless and a go-getter! Every time I feel like I can't do something, I always think of this quote and just simply go for it! You never know, you can find out a lot about yourself and what you can do by facing your fears!
A: Who or what inspires you to never give up and always dream big?
K: My community, there is nothing about my community that doesn't inspire me! I just see how much people care about one another and the love they share for each other! I go to these fashion shows that benefit different organizations and it always inspires me to make a difference in my community. Just by seeing young children who have disabilities or people who have to deal with certain situations everyday and they still have a smile on their face; that is what makes me want to go after my dreams. I want to be the one putting smiles on their faces! This is such a motivator to help me accomplish my dreams so I can help deserving people have their dreams come true too!
A: What is your next action step you are going to take to get closer to accomplishing your dream?
K: I am trying right now to get support to design a necklace that is for both guys and girls to educate them about bullying. It's a huge issue that needs to be fixed! I also would like to design a shirt that will help raise money for young children in children's homes so they can reach their dreams! I also just joined this new program in Indiana that is called MCCOY Youth Advocacy Council, where teens get to educate others about issues in our community. This week I just applied to FIDM for fashion design (hoping I get accepted)!
A: What advice would you give to other DreamCatchers?
K: To just go after your dreams and be involved in your community. You might have some bumps in the road and things might not go your way at first, but it will definitely be worth it in the end! You just have to keep your head up and don't let rejection bring you down!
A: What is your definition of the word perfect?
K: The word "perfect" to me means being yourself, having a voice and having true inner beauty! You'll always be perfect in your own way!
SIERRA BOONE, 16, aspires to become the editor-in-chief of a fab magazine one day. She has been actively pursuing this dream by becoming the High School Ambassador for both Intern Queen and Her Campus! Before obtaining these two positions, she started a blog called The Bridge to Bliss, created to inspire other teens to accomplish their dreams. Besides writing for Intern Queen, Her Campus and sending in articles to Teen Ink Magazine, she is also the editor of her school newspaper and anchor on her school news! She LOVES influencing others and is definitely running fast to catch her dreams. 
JULIA CARLIN is a passionate 14-year-old who recently got accepted to the largest film, t.v. production and acting high school in the nation, G-Star School of the Arts. Her passion has driven her to work hard and teach herself how to produce, direct and edit films. At age 13, she saved up her weekly allowance to purchase Apple’s Final Cut Pro program, which she taught herself how to use. She is the creative mind behind all of her films as well as the actress, director, videographer and editor. Julia won her first award for her student orientation film, which she made for her middle school at the Jim Harbin Media Festival. Since then, she has completed many more projects that range from comedy to educational films. She even remade the Andy Samberg video, "On the Ground." This past year, in 8th grade, she won first place in her district for her freeze-frame, student orientation video, while making straight A’s in all honor and high school classes.
At only 14 years old, Julia knows what she wants in life and is making sure nothing stops her from getting it. It’s never too early to catch your dreams and Julia is a perfect example for that. Heading into 9th grade, we have no doubt she will accomplish great things and make a name for herself at her new school, G-Star. Watch out world, here comes the next Steven Spielberg!
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