Day in the Life of a Centennial Scholar: Sarah Jarrell ’23

Sarah Jarrell, Class of 2023 Park Scholar and Centennial Scholar, describes a typical day. In March, Sarah is heading to Germany to intern for Adidas.

Original content written by Sarah Jarrell and Kamilah Heslop, Wilson College News

The word “impactful” doesn’t pack enough punch — at least not for me.

When I think about my Centennial Scholarship and the difference it’s had on my college career, I prefer to use words like “life-changing” and “one-of-a-kind.” As a graduate student in the Master of Textiles program, I’m proud to be working toward my second degree from the Wilson College of Textiles. I graduated this past December with my bachelor’s degree in fashion and textile design, with a concentration in fashion design.

Below, you’ll see how I put my Centennial Scholarship — and its incredible benefits — to work.

MORNING

9 a.m. Wake up.

9:30 a.m. Eat breakfast. Today, I started my day with honey and butter on toast.

10 a.m. Dive into my TTM 591 course: Special Studies in Textile Technology Management: Sustainability, which is taught by Professor Karen Leonas.

Sarah Jarrell studying on her laptop in the Wilson College of Textiles.
During this virtual course, I tuned in from my favorite study spot at the Wilson College of Textiles. Can you guess where I am?

11:30 a.m. Lunch at home with my dogs. Typically, I drink a smoothie and eat a turkey sandwich for lunch. But today, I was craving pizza.

AFTERNOON

1 p.m. Conduct research in the lab with Professor Minyoung Suh. Our research study, Clothing Size and Fit Optimization through 3D Body Scanning, will help improve clothing size and fit options for a variety of body sizes and shapes.

Sarah speaks with a research participant.
Sarah stands next to a research participant.
I’m showing our research participant how to stand so our body scanner will measure her completely. Our research utilizes advanced technologies including 3D body scanning, functional textile design and performance textiles.

2:30 p.m. Discuss my study abroad trip with Merica Ivey, the college’s associate director of student recruitment and engagement.

Sarah Jarrell speaks with Merica Ivey about her upcoming trip to Germany.
During this meeting, Merica and I discussed how my Centennial Scholarship’s enrichment funding will support my international internship in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

This March, I’ll be leaving the United States for the first time and working at Adidas as a product design intern. I’ll be working at their headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. I’m even bringing my dogs, Mochi and Gracie.

This is possible thanks to my Centennial Scholarship’s enrichment funding, which I can also use to participate in leadership and professional development opportunities!

3:15 p.m. After leaving my meeting, I was surprised to see my clothing displayed in the college’s main lobby! I used the leather laser etcher, Lectra Cutting machine, Gerber, Adobe Illustrator, Spoonflower technology, our college’s Dyeing and Finishing Lab, and Clo3D to create this look for my FTD 419 course.

Sarah Jarrell views her ensemble that is displayed in the college's main lobby.
I created this ensemble to further develop my skills with the technology that the Wilson College has to offer.

3:30 p.m. Present a college tour. As a Wilson College of Textiles student ambassador, I help introduce visitors to the incredible work that our students, faculty, staff, alumni and industry partners are doing on campus.

4:30 p.m. Run to my kickboxing class, which takes place at the Wellness and Recreation Center. This 30-minute cardio workout is pretty intense, and I love the incredible music the instructor plays. Get ready to sweat!

Sarah Jarrell breaks a sweat while participating in a kickboxing class.
This class is full of kickboxing cardio! It’s taught me the correct form for a variety of punches and kicks, while always giving me a great workout!

EVENING

5:30 p.m. Participate in the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management (TATM) Student Advisory Board meeting. 

Our mission is to build relationships between students and the business world. Also, we serve as ambassadors for TATM events and the Industry Advisory Board.

Sarah Jarrell smiles alongside her fellow members of the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management Student Advisory Board.
I love being a member of the TATM Student Advisory Board and promoting TATM leadership and excellence.

6:15 p.m. Dinner and drinks with friends at Bumble Tea near campus. I am probably their most loyal customer, and my drink order has been memorized: A mango strawberry lemonade fruit tea with 50% sugar, light ice and rainbow jellies.

8 p.m. Homework and more studying.

9:30 p.m. Packing, packing and more packing in preparation for my trip to Germany.

This March, I’ll be leaving the United States for the first time and working at Adidas as a product design intern. I’ll be working at their headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. I’m even bringing my dogs, Mochi and Gracie. I’m using my Centennial Scholarship’s enrichment funding to pay for my flight and housing!

Sarah Jarrell smiles with her dogs, Mochi and Gracie, will standing next to her two purple suitcases.
My adorable pups, Mochi and Gracie, will be traveling with me to Germany.

When I return from Germany, I’ll be moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to work at the Kohl’s headquarters as an associate designer. I interned with the company this summer, and I really connected with their company values and vision for the future.

11:45 p.m. Finally heading to bed. Goodnight!