TFS: Where are you from?

SA: I moved to Canada from Iraq when I was 5 years old and have been living in Kitchener, Ontario ever since.

TFS: What brought you to Toronto Film School?

SA: I was looking to develop my artistic and creative skills in the fashion industry as I find it so fascinating and inspiring. Looking into the curriculum that Toronto Film School offered, I was very interested in visiting the studio and meeting the faculty. I was very impressed with the atmosphere and amazing instructors, and knew I came to the right place.

TFS: Why did you choose your program?

SA: After already obtaining a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Toronto Film School provided exactly what I was looking for – an intense, fast-paced program that offers all the education and hands-on experience from trend-forecasting to creating a Spring/Summer 2015 collection.

TFS: Why do you think you were chosen as the Valedictorian for your program?

SA: Throughout the course of my studies, I was more committed to my classes than anything else, and managed to meet every deadline. I took the time to develop relationships with my peers as well as my instructors and was able to work individually as well as in a group. I consistently worked very hard on projects as well as competitions outside of school and was recognized for numerous achievements.

TFS: If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would that be?

SA: This program is incredible because it is very intense. Do not lose focus and keep pushing forward. Passion, hard work and commitment are the key ingredients to positive results and endless achievements.

TFS: What is one of the most important things you have learned/experienced at TFS?

SA: The extent of how competitive the fashion industry is cannot be fully understood without truly experiencing it. It is very demanding, time-consuming, and full of great achievements and unfortunate disappointments. However, when you are sincerely passionate about it, the struggle will only feel like necessary obstacles that emphasize the success that is waiting.

TFS: What keeps you motivated?

SA: My passion and fascination for the industry is what drives me. The opportunity to bring an inspiration to life in the form of fashion has been one of my biggest rewards. After realizing what I am capable of with the help of this program, I want nothing less than to feel and witness more achievements through my dedication and hard work.

TFS: What are your plans after graduation?

SA: I will continue to work as a junior structural engineer while financing future collections that I plan to produce and have featured at fashion shows. I hope to develop my own brand in the future that carries the same aesthetic that I developed in my graduating collection – edgy, fashion forward pieces with structural design details.