The College of Fine Arts proudly congratulates all students who are graduating this semester! While we’re unable to gather in person for a commencement ceremony in December due to the pandemic, we celebrate the accomplishments of students, like Mirasol Rangel, a double major in Fashion Merchandising and Strategic Communication who has earned her degree in three-and-a-half years.
Mirasol Rangel, Department of Fashion Merchandising
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Strategic Communication
Mirasol Rangel
Hometown: Houston, TX
Why did you choose to attend TCU?
I chose TCU because of the fashion merchandising program available. I also wanted to attend a private school because of the smaller classrooms with the potential to create relationships with professors. When others think of fashion school, they think of California or New York; however, I love the southern hospitality Texas provides. As soon as I left my first TCU visit, I knew I wanted to be a part of the community and learn from professors who previously worked in the industry.
Tell us about your internships and involvement during your time at TCU.
During the summer of 2020, I had two internships: one for Fashion Merchandising and one for Strategic Communication. I worked alongside a fashion entrepreneur, Sarah Bray, and a local Fort Worth bed-and-breakfast, Three Danes Inn. Having the opportunity to learn from an entrepreneur and help Sarah Bray launch her business was a learning experience I never thought I would have. I offered continuous feedback and advice to ensure her business was successful. Further, developing marketing materials for the bed-and-breakfast allowed me to design social media content to garner attention after months of being closed due to the pandemic. While the circumstances this past summer and semester have not been the most exciting, I made sure to keep a positive mindset for the opportunities and learning experiences I received. I also attained two positions, secretary and vice president, for Phi Upsilon Omicron National Honor Society during my time at TCU. These leadership roles posed challenges and helped me grow as a leader to prepare me for the business world.
Tell us about your proudest accomplishment while at TCU.
My proudest accomplishment while at TCU was finishing as a double major in three and a half years. When I decided to become a double major freshman year, I was told I would graduate later than my peers to fulfill the requirements of both majors. Through perseverance and guidance from my professors and family, I enrolled in 18 hours each semester and summer courses. While it was challenging, and many opposed the idea, I made it a goal to remain determined and complete my degree a semester early. I am also proud of the person I have become while at TCU. The professors in Fashion Merchandising and Strategic Communication are unlike anyone I have ever met. Their priorities are the students and guiding me through every process was greatly appreciated. My professors served as role models for me to attain a similar work ethic, and I will forever be grateful for the dedication and time spent making sure I was earning the best education.
What will you miss most about TCU?
I will definitely miss all of my Fashion Merchandising and Strategic Communication friends and professors. Spending three and a half years with the same professors and classmates created a family I will always cherish. The memories I have of TCU are indescribable. Even though it was not easy at times, my professors and friends made the struggles worthwhile.
What’s next?
My plan post-graduation is to attain a job in the fashion industry as a buyer or in product development. I aspire to make a change in the industry to become more inclusive and diverse. My courses have taught me the value of relationships and consumers. And when individuals do not feel like they have a voice, I want to serve as that leader that can pose questions and concerns to make a difference. I do not want to simply wake up and go to work each day with little to look forward to. I want to be a part of the company I work for and grow as a team. I aspire to take every opportunity that comes my way to be the leader I know I can be.