Outstanding Students

Madeline Gellersen

Where are you from? Hopkinton, Iowa 

Why did you choose Kirkwood? I liked how I could get a four-year experience for half the cost and time. I also like the small class sizes and how nice of a campus we have at Kirkwood. 

What is your major and how did you choose it? I am in the Apparel Merchandising and Design program. I have always loved fashion and learning how to sew when I was younger sparked my interest even more. I enjoy how this program is hands-on and also allows students to be very creative. 

What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood? My proudest moment is seeing my growth from the beginning of my time here compared to now. I have learned a lot and also gained confidence. A huge part of this is being a part of the fashion magazine BRICOLAGE. Planning and preparing photoshoots can be stressful at times but seeing the student’s visions come to life is rewarding and inspiring. Learning how to style clothing and hair, how to edit and take photos, and planning is just the tip of the ice burg.  

What are your plans after Kirkwood? I plan to take on a fashion internship and eventually go abroad to continue my studies.

What inspires or motivates you? My professor Elisha Stanley. She is always there to help students, make sure they have all of the resources needed to succeed, and go above and beyond when teaching in the classroom. Elisha has taught me so much about the industry and relates the material to real-world situations or scenarios. I know if I have a question she will have the answer or a book to further my knowledge. She inspires me to push myself through hard projects and makes sure there’s always a challenge to better myself and my skills. 

Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood – hobbies, family, other interests, etc. I lived in the country on a little hobby farm before coming to Kirkwood. I have an older sister and a younger brother. My sister, Gracie, and I are obsessed with going to country concerts any time we get the chance (and are usually front row). My brother, Jake, and I go fishing and longboarding together in the summer. I love spending time with my family and friends outside of work and school. Besides having a strong interest in fashion and clothes, I have a passion for yoga and plan to get my certification this summer to start teaching the practice. When the weather in Iowa corporates I spend my time outside either kayaking, hiking, golfing, or walking my dogs back home. 

What does being named an Outstanding Student mean to you? I found it very rewarding knowing that the hard work and effort that I have put into my schooling to get my degree during the course of the program has paid off. 

Categories: Outstanding Students