In 2018, it isn’t unheard of to hear about millennials involved in ideas outside of the traditional social norm. If making money through Vine was once a career, than truly anything is possible. Last year after the Parkland shooting, it was teenagers making positive efforts to reform our nation’s gun control with the social media campaign #ParklandStrong. And for me? I’ve been breaking the expected norm since I was eight.
Ten years ago I began writing a blog amidst moving from Austin, TX to Raleigh, N. C. during a hot summer with no friends. In 2008, blogging was not a “thing.” Facebook had only just begun, MySpace was still around and Twitter was home to a small community. My blog chronicled whatever nine year old Maggie thought about: Webkinz, movies and somehow, I fell in love with the world of high fashion. I credit it to my Project Runway obsession and passion for thrift shopping before it was trendy. My first notable piece came from an opinionated ramble against Lady Gaga’s meat dress and how “it ruined the future of fashion.” My article became picked up and spread around, before the word “viral” came about, and I haven’t looked back ever since. Now, my blog is less fashion and more of a personal diary entry, however it still remains a vital piece of who I am. When other students played sports or excelled in playing an instrument, there I was on conference calls and writing pieces. Now, instead of critiquing Lady Gaga’s fashion choices (though I’ll offer that, in my opinion, they have improved), I mostly spend my time writing for print magazines and developing social media content for brands. Additionally, I’ve found a home working for the Old Gold & Black managing our social media accounts, which you should definitely follow.
In the random adventures of my life, I was chosen to represent Wofford College at College Fashion Week 2018 in New York City. This event, which spotlighted college fashion designers featured the “#realrunway”, is an opportunity for real college women of different races and body sizes to model. The #realrunway concept is still unheard of, even amidst the modern day #metoo movement centered around women empowerment. It was encouraging to hear other college women cheering each other on, while also getting the opportunity to see an inclusive runway show. In addition to being a part of the show as a press member, College Fashion Week also spotlighted notable women-empowering brands which offered networking opportunities and connections. Not only did I get to mingle with college women in the media industry from all over the world, I connected with notable brands and had a good time doing it!
However, the most impactful part of my College Fashion Week experience was not the incredible opportunities, but my journey back home to Wofford. After waking up at three in the morning to catch my train, flight and hour car ride back to Wofford I was greeted with a 9:30 Spanish exam and hugs. Everywhere on campus I went there seemed to be someone asking “How was New York?!” or “How was the fashion show?!” I was welcomed back home to Wofford with hugs, encouragement and smiles. As still new freshman, it was the first time I was excited to come back to campus because of the community. I have not ever been one to share about my blog and was especially not planning on sharing it at school. But instead of hiding it, my community at Wofford has embraced the work I do and my heart behind it. As a freshman who, a month prior was silently hoping to transfer schools, being welcomed home and genuinely cared about has changed my entire perspective on college.
So yes, the bright lights of New York City are gorgeous and I am so unbelievably grateful for incredible experiences like College Fashion Week, but I’m even more grateful for the people and community here at Wofford that make coming home so special.
You can find Maggie on the web at MaggieRoyce.com & running the Old Gold & Black Instagram: @oldgandb
