We didn't win the 25K but we are still finalists. I guess in a way, that's still considered to be a win (at least that's what everyone keeps on telling me). Out of the hundreds of applicants, we are in the top eight in the Nation. Not too shabby huh?
True, it would have been amazing to have won. It was not about the money for me...it was more about the honor and the validation. I've always been a huge fan of Mr. Geoffrey Beene and have been fascinated by his work. And to be validated as the best in the nation....wow, imagine the thought. After all, how fantastic and life changing would it have been to be able to say that I am a Geoffrey Beene winner. True, I will be killing myself picking apart and analyzing every little second of my entire competition process to figure out what I did wrong to not deserve the win. And yes, my self esteem will be pretty beat up for a while and will question whether i was ever good enough. Maybe slight depression and random bursts of crying? haha
However, life goes on....and in the end, I will look at this as an life enriching experience. And take this "loss" as a motivator to push myself even more to be even better than I am.
It was a paid great trip to NYC for a week and still left with $5K. Also, the Tim Burton exhibit at the MOMA was fantastic. Thank you for all those who believed in me and helped me along in this project... especially Jay.
In closing, it's been a great experience and I've learned so much about the fashion industry. Now, it's back to school to finish up the last semester of my Otis career. Keep an eye out for me in the future...can't wait to show the world what I can do.
Sincerely,
Michael "Myko" Lin
P.S. In the meantime, please take a look at the online portfolio (in progress): http://mykomyko.carbonmade.com/ and check out my linked in as well....http://www.linkedin.com/in/mykomyko
P.S.S. Scholarship dinner pictures courtesy of guestofaguest.com
