When Anna Garretson first explored universities, she wasn't entirely sure what direction she wanted her education to take. She knew she admired creativity, business strategy and fashion, but she didn’t yet see how these interests could come together. After touring Arizona State University, she immediately sensed that the environment offered something different — a place where she could experiment, refine her goals and grow without pressure to be perfect from the start.
Coming from a military family that moved frequently, she often had to adapt quickly and rebuild friendships. The consistency and support she found at ASU created the stability she had long been looking for. It became the first place where she felt she could put down roots, discover herself and build a community that genuinely cared about her progress.
Building a Foundation in Fashion Business
Anna enrolled in the fashion business program at ASU’s FIDM, where she found a curriculum that blended creativity with industry-ready knowledge. Courses in fashion marketing, merchandising, branding, and consumer behavior helped her understand how style and commerce work together. She appreciated that the program offered both artistic freedom and rigorous business training — a combination that challenged her to think critically and expressively.
Her professors played a major role in shaping her academic journey. They encouraged her to take risks, refine her voice and develop confidence in her ideas. Anna says these mentors were patient, supportive and genuinely invested in helping students succeed, whether through feedback on projects or honest conversations about career paths.
Growing Confidence Through Community
One of Anna’s biggest surprises at ASU was the sense of belonging she found among classmates and faculty. She describes the fashion program as collaborative rather than competitive, a space where students cheer for one another and celebrate each other’s successes. This encouragement gave her the confidence to pursue opportunities she once felt were out of reach.
She joined student organizations, volunteered at events and frequently collaborated on creative projects. Each experience strengthened her leadership skills and helped her understand how teamwork functions in a fast-moving creative field. These moments also taught her that vulnerability and openness can lead to stronger ideas and deeper relationships.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Despite her growth, Anna admits she sometimes struggled with self-doubt, especially when comparing herself to others. But ASU provided the tools and support she needed to overcome those feelings.
Through mentorship, feedback and hands-on practice, she learned to replace fear with curiosity and resilience. She discovered that mistakes were part of the learning process — and that progress mattered more than perfection. Over time, she grew into a more assured, expressive version of herself.
Discovering Her Passion for Creative Direction
As she completed more courses, Anna realized she was drawn to creative direction — the intersection of visual storytelling, branding and conceptual thinking. She enjoyed crafting narratives, guiding photo shoots and shaping the look and feel of campaigns. The fashion business program allowed her to explore this passion deeply, giving her both strategic and aesthetic tools to build a compelling creative voice.
Her capstone project, which combined brand development with styling and visual identity, affirmed her desire to pursue creative direction professionally. She felt she had finally found the path that aligned with her strengths, ambitions and personality.
Preparing for the Future Beyond ASU
With graduation approaching, Anna feels ready to take on the fashion industry. She plans to pursue roles in creative direction, brand strategy and visual development. Her goal is to work with brands that value authenticity, storytelling and innovation — the same principles that helped shape her own journey.
She leaves ASU grateful not only for the education she received but also for the personal growth that the university made possible. She became more resilient, confident and self-aware, and discovered the power of meaningful community.
A Message to Future Students
Reflecting on her journey, Anna encourages future ASU students to embrace exploration, take risks and trust the process. She believes growth happens when you allow yourself to try new things, ask questions and accept support from those around you.
ASU, she says, is a place where students can reinvent themselves, build confidence and pursue their dreams with determination — just as she did.
