Student Kat Charrier '26 Journeys to Australia Utilizing Her Enrichment Grants
Kat Charrier, a fashion and textile management student at North Carolina State University (NC State), is making a name for herself in the world of textiles. A member of the Class of 2026, Charrier has a concentration in fashion development and product management, and her journey has been significantly enriched by the Centennial Scholarship.
The Centennial Scholarship, made possible through the North Carolina Textile Foundation, provides students with up to $22,000 in scholarship funding each year. For Charrier, this scholarship not only covered her tuition fees but also allowed her to focus on her world-class textiles education at NC State. The programme also offers an additional $7,500 in enrichment funding, which Charrier used to study fashion and textiles at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Melbourne, Australia.
Charrier's experiences abroad were transformative. She lived with a diverse group of individuals from the United States, Australia, Egypt, Malaysia, and China, broadening her horizons and fostering a global perspective. Her time in Australia was not just about academics; she also had the opportunity to immerse herself in local culture, sharing meals with professors and forming valuable connections with fellow students.
One of her most memorable experiences was an authentic Chinese dinner with a professor, where they shared laughs and stories over prawn dumplings and chicken feet. These moments, she says, have contributed significantly to her personal growth.
Charrier's studies abroad also provided her with invaluable insights into the textile industry. She discovered new pathways in textile production, learning about a business model that uses local seamstresses to reduce commute time and warehouse costs. She also sharpened her ability to distinguish between ethical and misleading practices, a skill she honed through conversations with local textile brands in Melbourne.
One such conversation led her to a company using Jacquard weaving machines to produce custom jackets. Charrier was fascinated by the intricacies of the process and the potential for customisation in the fashion industry.
Charrier's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. She received the McMichael Family Centennial Scholarship, a testament to her dedication and potential. She also reflects on the career opportunities that this enrichment experience has provided, looking forward to applying her newfound knowledge and connections in her future endeavours.
The Centennial Scholarship programme is a testament to the generosity of its donor, Mr. Butts, who has been instrumental in supporting students like Charrier in pursuing their dreams in the textile industry. With the support of such initiatives, NC State's fashion and textile management students continue to excel and make a significant impact in the world of textiles.
[1] Source: The News & Observer
- Kat Charrier, an undergraduate student majoring in fashion and textile management at North Carolina State University (NC State), is a rising star in the textile industry.
- The Centennial Scholarship, funded by the North Carolina Textile Foundation, awarded Charrier up to $22,000 in scholarship funding annually, covering her tuition fees and enabling her to focus on her education.
- With additional $7,500 in enrichment funding, Charrier embarked on a transformative journey to study fashion and textiles at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Melbourne, Australia.
- Her experiences abroad expanded her horizons, immersing her in local culture and fostering global connections with diverse individuals from around the world.
- Charrier's studies abroad provided her with insight into ethical practices in the textile industry and introduced her to innovative business models, such as using local seamstresses to reduce costs.
- She was particularly intrigued by a company in Melbourne using Jacquard weaving machines to produce custom jackets, showcasing the potential for customisation in the fashion industry.
- Recognized for her achievements, Charrier received the McMichael Family Centennial Scholarship and looks forward to applying her newfound knowledge and connections in her future endeavors in the textile industry, making education and self-development a significant aspect of her lifestyle and travel experiences.
