With willpower sewn at every step of your journey, Ciniya McCray-Fleming crossed the stage in Saturday, Could 10Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Advertising and marketing, Textiles and Design of the College of Arkansas in Pine Bluff (UAPB). A primary mom, scholar chief and inventive visionary, McCray-fleming leaves UAPB with a title in her hand and a legacy of resilience, function and magnificence.
The fervour of McCray-Fleming for vogue started in highschool, the place he typically drew the outfits with which he dreamed however couldn’t discover in shops. That love for design took her to UAPB, following the steps of her mother and father, who met and fell in love in the identical campus.
“I selected UAPB to proceed your legacy,” mentioned McCray-fleming. “I needed a narrative like them, one thing important and memorable.”
His decisive second got here throughout a Nationwide Convention of the Retail Federation. Initially unsure of his place within the trade, he discovered readability and inspiration when the audio system shared their tales.
“That was the second once I actually noticed myself prosper on this area,” he mentioned.
As McCray-Fleming stood out within the advertising and marketing, textile and design program, academics reminiscent of Dr. Doze Y. Butler had a big influence on serving to to form McCray-Fleming’s delicate expertise.
“She was one of the crucial troublesome professors within the division. Clay courses weren’t non-obligatory. The duties needed to be offered on time, and the shows needed to meet their excessive requirements. Dr. Butler taught me that the actual world doesn’t care about excuses, and a deadline actually means a deadline. Its construction and self-discipline ready me greater than what I spotted in the intervening time.”
The internships in retail shops helped to refine their pursuits. Though he loved experiences, he confirmed that his ardour lies extra within the model and design than retail commerce. In his final yr, McCray-Fleming confronted his biggest problem, which grew to become a mom.
“I used to be eight months pregnant when the semester started. I needed to keep within the duties and use each quiet second to work,” he mentioned. Her self-discipline and focus helped her end sturdy.
After graduating, McCray-Fleming plans to observe a stylist race and eventually launch its personal clothes model. It additionally intends to acquire a cosmetology credential to supply prospects vogue and brushing providers.
“This college has given me some ways. It has taught me tips on how to be a pacesetter, tips on how to adapt and embrace change, and tips on how to develop each personally and professionally. I discovered tips on how to discuss with confidence and take me professionally, expertise that I’ll take with me lengthy after leaving this campus.”
Wanting again, she may be very pleased with her evolution, from a member of the UAPB Spirit crew to her third yr captain, and now a graduate of honors about to depart her within the vogue world.
“Graduating means fulfilling my household’s legacy whereas constructing mine,” he mentioned.