An examination of the digital era’s rite of passage: the long trek toward authenticity, the friction of self-exposure, and the courage it takes to let the world watch you rise. 

The stories of these five international students show the struggles of moving to a new country and adjusting to college life in the U.S. Each faced challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, financial difficulties, and feelings of loneliness. Yet, they found ways to adapt, make friends, and pursue their dreams. Their experiences remind us that being an international student is not just about academics—it’s also about resilience, growth, and finding a sense of belonging far from home. These students prove that with support, determination, and a willingness to trust the process, it is possible to overcome challenges and thrive in a new environment. 

Wendy Woffington reflects on her early unpaid internships in fashion, exploring how determination, industry inequities, and unpaid labor shape careers, and what it really takes to break in.

From Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, four Asian creatives reveal how culture, identity, and ambition shaped their journeys. Their stories challenge stereotypes and redefine what success in the arts can truly mean. 

Through rock stacking, pottery, and personal stories, wabi-sabi – the Japanese philosophy that celebrates imperfection and impermanence – demonstrates that beauty can be found in everyday creative moments. 

Curious about what’s in a Drexel FIM student’s bag? From daily essentials to quirky treasures, we’ve captured it all. Maybe you’ll spot where they got her favorite lipstick, those stylish glasses, or the water bottle you’ve been secretly eyeing. Take a closer look—you might find your next must-have!  

A chef, a ballerina, a designer, a doctor. It doesn’t matter what dream job you started with; these FI&M students chose fashion above anything else. 

Fashion meets technology to redefine the shopping experience through virtual try-on solutions developed by Junyi Chen’s company, Root Fashion.

How does your environment influence the way you dress? Julia Ryan explores the link between ‘fitting in’ and people’s attire.

Explore the ups and downs of adulthood with me… because nothing is as embarrassing once you compare it to me!

Do you know the secret behind cuffed jeans, Girl in Red, and the painted nail emoji? Sounds queer to me. Read this relatable story about how TikTok and the pandemic made me queer.

College Students: Parties, extracurricular activities, clubs, a lot of social interaction

Introverts: “Home is where the heart is!”