Student

Merchandise Marketing

Raquel Tarifa

Devoting Her Time To Her Family While Getting An Education

Raquel Tarifa is starting her second year as an evening student at FIDM, majoring in Merchandise Marketing. Raquel is originally from San Francisco and moved to Los Angeles at the age of sixteen. After graduating from Burbank High School and working at the YMCA's membership sales department, she went on to attend Valley College. After two successful semesters at Valley College, Raquel took a break from her schooling to get married and have children.

Raquel has been married for seven years, has two children with one on the way. She chose FIDM because it provided the type of education she wanted and the night program allowed her the flexibility she needed to raise a family. As Raquel states, 'I chose to go to FIDM because of its outstanding reputation and because it has a specialized merchandise marketing program which would adequately prepare me to work in the industry. I have always been fascinated by the world of marketing specifically as it relates to the fashion industry. The education I am receiving from FIDM will equip me to someday own and operate my own business. I have learned from working professionals that everything I have studied at FIDM is extremely pertinent to success in the industry.'

Raquel has successfully managed to balance her job as a full-time mom and a student. She currently has a 3.8 grade point average! Raising children can be a very time-consuming and strenuous job, however Raquel has managed to do so while still being an excellent student. Raquel attributes that success largely to being able to attend FIDM's night program. "I have to devote the majority of my day to my family, therefore the only way I can continue my schooling is to be able to do so on a flexible schedule. After my husband gets home from work I have time to attend classes and study. My advice to other night students who have busy schedules is not to 'stress out' or get overwhelmed. If you devote just a little amount of time to your studies each day, rather than waiting until the last minute, you can alleviate some of the stress and make it a habit rather than a stressful chore."

Raquel is currently planning a business venture with two fellow FIDM students. It's an exclusive accessories and apparel store in which she would handle the business operations and marketing functions. She also plans to intern during the final quarters of her program. Internships can be facilitated with the help of FIDM's career placement office. Raquel is a great student and an enterprising young woman and we wish her much success in the future.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication