Hello everyone, I am Karlie Bordinko. I grew up in the beautiful Kamas Valley and graduated from South Summit High School in 2014. For as long as I can remember, a fashion designer was always what I wanted to be when I grew up. During a trip to New York as a young girl, I was able to visit the Fashion Institute of Technology’s campus. A security guard was kind enough to let me walk around for a moment. I was in awe at the beautiful world I saw and knew I had to be a part of it. As I grew older, I started exploring the fashion industry more and learning as much as I could. In a time where Tik Tok didn't exist and Instagram was new, my resources were limited. I did not have much exposure to the glittering world of fashion in a town where there were more rodeos than runways. Nevertheless, I carried on with my dream. Throughout High School, I consistently searched for new opportunities that would help push me towards my goals. One of those opportunities was taking my first sewing class with Mrs. Davis. My horizons were widened when she introduced me to FCCLA (Future Career and Community Leaders of America). At the time we were a small club with 3-4 members including myself. Although it was small, FCCLA was my whole world because it allowed me to develop and showcase my talents. Mrs. Davis also introduced me to opportunities outside of the club, such as competitions at Salt Lake Community College’s Fashion Institute. I will forever be grateful for Mrs. Davis and her endless support. She gave me my start in the fashion industry. After graduation, I decided to start my journey at SLCC’s Fashion Institute in Downtown Salt Lake City. My school was a small 4-floor office building, with less than 100 students in the fashion program, but it was my sanctuary. Throughout my time there I continued to be as involved as I could by participating in several design and illustration competitions, and charity fashion events. Each of these played a key role in my growth to becoming the designer I am today. At the end of my time at SLCC, I had grown immensely and gained so many experiences, but I was not done yet. After some time, I was finally able to attend the number one design school in the world, the Fashion Institute of Technology. In 2019 I made the cross country move from the small town of Kamas Utah to the concrete jungle of New York City. It was a dramatic transition that took patience, but I always kept my end goals in mind. Now, that little girl who was able to peek into the halls of the school was walking through them with confidence. During my time at FIT, my abilities flourished like never before, and my perspective of the world around me was expanded. I was able to study historic clothing in person, talk one on one with world-renowned designers, gain valuable industry experiences, and attend events I could only dream of a few short years ago. I am currently in the bachelor’s degree program at FIT and still seeking every opportunity I can to evolve and grow. I look back at where I came from, a small-town girl attending her first sewing class to now living in a city with endless possibilities being taught by leaders in the fashion industry. Although not everything has gone according to plan, I am proud of every little step I took to become closer to reaching my goals. New roads still lie ahead, and I cannot wait to see where life will take me next. There are many lessons I have learned throughout my journey so far. If I could give any advice to those of you just starting on yours it would be to seek out every opportunity you can. Although doubt and fear may make you hesitant to try new things, take the leap and go for it! Also, take the initiative to learn as much as you can about the things you are interested in. You can never learn too much. Remember that dreams do not have an expiration date! They take time, and not everyone’s path will look the same. The rewards of following your true passion in life will always be worth it in the end!
Grace Schulz came to SUU from Oakley, Utah, after graduating from South Summit High School in 2014. After taking an introduction to journalism course her freshman year, her plans to be a journalist were solidified, and under the careful tutelage of professors like Jon Smith and Michael Stathis, she gained the skills necessary to earn a job with CNN in Atlanta. As an associate producer, Grace helps build the many hours of programming by cutting videos and photos to accompany segments and cutting relevant soundbites. During live shows, she is responsible for monitoring the spreadsheet that controls the show, making sure video is in place, and facilitating the instant replay of live events and soundbites for breaking news. Her fast-paced job relies on multitasking skills and careful listening that Grace honed while at SUU. “The Venn diagram of skills I learned at SUU and things I need to succeed as a journalist is a circle,” she says. “SUU taught me a lot about believing in myself, trusting myself, and knowing that I am capable. [It’s] where I learned who I wanted to be, and where I started to become that person.” After growing up and living her whole life in Utah, moving to Atlanta has been a leap of faith for Grace. While at SUU, she dreamed and often talked about working for CNN someday, but through her hard work and determination, that “someday” came just one short month after graduation. When she walks into work most mornings, she looks up at the CNN letters over the door and feels incredibly blessed and proud to have made it there. According to her, this is her greatest accomplishment, with watching the entire Game of Thrones series in 11 days being a close second. Grace loves the outdoors and enjoys rock climbing and canyoneering. Although many people have suggested she go hiking since moving to Georgia, she has yet to find a mountain anywhere to climb. Luckily, she is also a runner training for an eventual marathon and enjoys honing her cooking skills, learning a second language, and relearning flute since there are not any Cedar red hills close by. In addition to being an expert producer for CNN, she is an expert musical playlist curator, Netflix enthusiast, and avid traveler just waiting for the next opportunity to travel the world and visit Utah to see her family and pets.
Officer Rogelio Carbajal
Since I was a kid I have been interested in working in a career that involved law. I also liked the chance that I would get to dress up nice and look good. I looked at my options of the different career choices I could choose from that met the criteria and I found the perfect match. I was going to go to law school and become an attorney! I did an internship during high school for a law firm and it reinforced my decision to become an attorney. Everything changed last year when I began to volunteer for the Heber City Police Department. I really enjoyed working alongside the officers and the ability to help people on regular basis. During those short months volunteering I realized that I wanted to be a part of the great family that is the Heber City Police Department. I love being able to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in this great community. I am grateful for the opportunity that was given to me to apply and work for such a great department. Even though this was not what I had in mind for a career I am thankful that the decisions I took brought me to this great career and this new family I have received because of it.
TEAGAN FLETCHER
Summit Pediatrics October 18 at 1:30 PM · We would like to introduce our medical assistant Teagan to all of you! Here are some fun facts about her.. What is your favorite thing about working at Summit Pediatrics? "Working with children all day!" What is your favorite food? "Sushi" What do you like to do on your days off? "Hike, hunt and camp!" Describe yourself in 3 words.. "Weird, fun, loving!" Why did you decide to work in the medical field? "I have always had a passion for care of others." Who is your hero and why? "My grandfather, because he always was supportive of everything I have done. He always was a leader and was very helpful." Name two things you consider yourself very good at. "Organizing and hunting!"