Centennial Scholar Lupe Martinez-Hilario '26 fulfilled her dreams in London by using her enrichment funds from the school.
Lupe Martinez-Hilario, a Class of 2026 student at North Carolina State University, has experienced a transformative journey thanks to the Centennial Scholarship offered by the North Carolina Textile Foundation. This prestigious award, worth up to $22,000 annually, provides students in textile-related fields with financial support that extends beyond tuition fees. Recipients also receive an additional $7,500 in enrichment funding to enrich their college experience[1].
Martinez-Hilario spent three months studying abroad at the University of the Arts London, an experience that has significantly influenced their future career plans. The study abroad programme gave them a sense of clarity about the type of fashion designer they aspire to become[2]. The sites they visited during their time in London served as a source of inspiration, fueling their ambition and focus on the impact they want to have through fashion[3].
The enrichment funding enabled Martinez-Hilario to study and intern abroad, participate in leadership programs, and explore various career opportunities[4]. This financial support allowed them to focus fully on their studies without the need to juggle multiple part-time jobs. For instance, Sania Musti, another Centennial Scholar, used her enrichment funds to intern with a luxury fashion company during New York Fashion Week[1].
The study abroad experience has not only broadened Martinez-Hilario's vision of what's possible in their career but also boosted their confidence and skills[5]. They attribute this growth to the immersive and enriching environment provided by their study abroad programme. Martinez-Hilario is also grateful to the donor who made their study abroad experience possible[6].
The Centennial Scholarship, made possible through the North Carolina Textile Foundation, played a key role in making Martinez-Hilario's opportunity to study abroad a reality. This scholarship empowers students financially and experientially, facilitating deeper engagement with their field, enhanced career opportunities, and the ability to pursue competitive internships and leadership development programmes that otherwise might be inaccessible due to financial constraints[7].
As Martinez-Hilario prepares to graduate, they reflect on their study abroad experience as life-changing. They will remember that there are people who believe in their education and future[8]. Martinez-Hilario has decided to pursue a master's degree to further expand on the entrepreneurship class they took at the University of the Arts London. They developed stronger friendships with their Wilson College of Textiles classmates during their study abroad trip, connections that will undoubtedly be valuable in their future endeavours[9].
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5] [6] [Source 6] [7] [Source 7] [8] [Source 8] [9] [Source 9]
- Lupe Martinez-Hilario, an undergraduate student at North Carolina State University, has been supported by the Centennial Scholarship from the North Carolina Textile Foundation, which offers a worth of up to $22,000 annually for students in textile-related fields.
- Martinez-Hilario spent three months studying abroad at the University of the Arts London, during which they noticed a significant influence on their future career plans in the fashion industry.
- The enrichment funding granted by the Centennial Scholarship allowed Martinez-Hilario to explore various career opportunities, such as internships, participation in leadership programs, and travel for study purposes.
- The study abroad program provided Martinez-Hilario with a boost in confidence and skills, as well as a broader vision of what's possible in their career as a fashion designer.
- Martinez-Hilario is grateful to the donors who made their study abroad experience possible, as it has played a significant role in shaping their educational and career goals.
- As Martinez-Hilario prepares to graduate and pursue a master's degree, they acknowledge the importance of the Centennial Scholarship in opening up opportunities for education, self-development, fashion-and-beauty, and lifestyle experiences that would otherwise be financially out of reach.
- Martinez-Hilario developed valuable connections with their Wilson College of Textiles classmates during their study abroad trip, which they believe will aid them in their future endeavors in the fashion and textiles industry.
- Scholarships, such as the Centennial Scholarship, help graduate students like Martinez-Hilario to achieve their educational dreams while also making a positive impact on the fashion design world through their education, leadership, and innovation.
