How Cha Dahee's Journey from Fashion Model to Designer Exemplifies Creative Thinking in Education

[Point Economy] At Gyeongsang National University in Jinju, \"creative thinking\" is the buzzword. Employers, on the other hand, want graduates with practical, job-ready skills. Put both together and you get what everyone calls a standout talent. But how does a college produce graduates who can imagine boldly and execute flawlessly?

On the 25th, Chae Da-hee, a student in the Department of Clothing and Textiles in the College of Natural Sciences, will receive her diploma at Gyeongsang National University's 2024 fall commencement. Looking back at her college years makes one thing clear: blending creative thinking with hands-on ability isn't easy, but it's absolutely possible.

Until her second year of high school, Chae dreamed of becoming a fashion model. After taking part in a video shoot, her focus shifted—she found herself drawn to fashion design instead.

The outfit she wore for that shoot critiqued how people drift through the digital age. She realized that while models wear garments, designers use clothes to communicate ideas.

She discovered something else: the designer’s role—infusing meaning into every silhouette, material, and detail to speak to others—felt far more compelling. From that moment, she set her sights on becoming a fashion designer and enrolled in Gyeongsang National University's Department of Clothing and Textiles.

Her college life was defined by dedication and consistency. She completed a teacher training program and earned a secondary school teacher certification, while also receiving multiple academic scholarships for strong performance. Professors frequently praised her diligent approach to study.

Her effort to build professional skills was notable. Fueled by love for her field and passion for life, she earned certifications in computer graphics operation, GTQ Level 1, GTQ Illustration Level 1, and even a shop master certificate in professional fashion sales management.

Chae also took her talents beyond the classroom. She won a bronze prize in the 13th Knit & Hanji Textile Fashion Design Competition hosted by the Korea Federation of Textile Industries and received an encouragement award in the Dress Culture Association’s 1st 2024 Creative Fashion Design Contest.

Recognition in those competitions helped clarify her career path. She then sharpened her practical skills through internships at apparel vendor companies and an industry-practice program with Shinseong Tongsang’s Topten.

“After entering the clothing department, I considered various career paths, but now I firmly aim to become a designer for a designer brand,” Chae says. “Working as an intern on a vendor company’s design team while on leave from school was a decisive turning point.”

“I joined the department to become a fashion designer, but my coursework made me want broader experience. I focused on school, believing that good grades would open more doors,” she adds.

Chae turned an ordinary college experience into something valuable by balancing creative thinking and practical skills. She intentionally mapped out her campus activities, external projects, and career goals—designing each step herself.

Hong Eun-hee, head of Gyeongsang National University’s Department of Clothing and Textiles, praised Chae: “Chae has shown deep passion for her major and a sincere attitude throughout department life. She balanced coursework and external activities and consistently pursued self-improvement, making her a standout student. We expect her to continue growing in the fashion industry and education after graduation.”