Name: Brittany Buckner
Year: Senior
Major: Apparel Design and Merchandising
Hometown: Hickory, NC
Activities/Hobbies: Snowboarding, Water Skiing, 3-D puzzles
Celeb Status: President of the Appalachian Apparel Association (AAA)
Q: What organizations/clubs are you involved in on campus?A: Appalachian Apparel Association, Tau Sigma National Honor Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors organization, Campus Crusade for Christ
Q: What made you want to get involved with the Appalachian Apparel Association, and how has being President changed your experience with the club?A: Before AAA, it was Appalachian Fashion Group. I was not involved because I never knew about any of the events, nor did I know anyone involved in it. A professor announced to our department that they would like to start over with AFG, change the name and get more people involved. I volunteered to help and little did I know what I was getting myself into. After all was said and done, Appalachian Apparel Association was born and I was elected president, which was not what I had in mind at the beginning of the process. I was thrilled that my fellow peers thought I had what it took to be president of an organization and I have taken that responsibility very seriously. It has changed my experience from knowing nothing about an organization to being involved in every aspect of it. Not only have I learned so much, but I have had the pleasure of meeting professionals in the industry and I am striving to give others in our department the same opportunities I have had. Now as president, I make sure that everyone knows about upcoming events/meetings and if anyone needs a reference or just advice I am here to help in any way I can.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit of what the Appalachian Apparel Association has planned for the spring semester?A: Last semester was our first semester as AAA and was spent getting organized. This semester we are having speakers from all over the fashion industry including a showroom manager from Atlanta’s Apparel Mart, an owner from a local boutique, Monkee’s, and the VP of Sales for RD International Style, a corporate wholesaler based in Canada. We are striving to have different types of companies involved so that students know the variety of opportunities that are available in the apparel industry.
Q: Do you have any specific goals you hope to accomplish before you graduate?A: I have accomplished one career goal already of landing an internship in Manhattan this summer. After my internship, I hope to get a job in London upon graduation in December of this year. My personal goal is to leave a legacy in the apparel design and merchandising department as being someone that not only works hard academically but also relationally. I want to see my friends succeed and be the best they can be in everything that is thrown at them.