I have been very fortunate to have some of the best teachers during my years growing up in Charlotte, N.C. I remember my teachers as caring people that pushed me to always do my best. They always presented engaging lessons, and they always seemed to know what to do no matter what happened in the classroom. They were amazing. One particular teacher that made a huge impact on my life as a FACS teacher is Ms. Hannah Modrell.

            Ms. Modrell was my fashion design teacher in high school. As a high school freshman, I was so excited to take her class. Since I was a young kid, I always adored fashion, and would try to create some of the high fashion looks that I saw in magazines. My mother taught me how to sew when I was in elementary school, and so I already had experience. When I entered Ms. Modrell’s class, I was in heaven.

            During each school day I was bombarded with my core subjects that I really didn’t care much for but would look forward to sewing with Ms. Modrell. I believe that she saw the passion that I had for creating textile products. She would often ask me to assist my classmates when they needed help. After successfully completing her first level class, she asked me to sign up for her level two. I happily did, and learned even more than before. During her class, I created many dresses, shorts, tops, skirts, and, my prom dress. After completing her second level fashion design class, I feared that I wouldn’t be able to work with her anymore. At the end of class one day, she suggested that I become her student assistant during my senior year. I did and I got an inside look of what it was like to be a teacher. I assisted her with grading papers, helping with students, and ran errands for her. It was the best.

            During the year, I decided that I would study fashion design in college. I didn’t know of any fashion design program in N.C., but she did. She suggested that I check out The University of N.C. at Greensboro. They had a very comprehensive textile product design and marketing program. I went and was successful there. All the work that I did with Ms. Modrell helped so much during my studies at UNCG. I was well ahead of some of my classmates and was very skilled with my sewing techniques.

            Although I am no longer working in the fashion industry, I really appreciate all of the lessons Ms. Modrell taught me that I now use as a FACS teacher. She taught me to be patient with others, she gave me insight of how to cooperate with different personalities, and she also showed me how to improvise. I am forever grateful for all of the life lessons that she taught me. If Ms. Modrell could see me know, I think that she would be very proud of me.