Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmin.
Hi Jazmin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jazmin Hernandez Arceo, and I’m a first-generation college student studying Fashion Merchandising through the Textiles & Apparel (TXA) program at UT Austin.
I transferred into UT after receiving my acceptance letter just two months before the fall semester began. I didn’t have a housing plan locked in. I didn’t know anyone. All I had was a single email, many suitcases full of what-ifs, and the quiet but unshakable belief that this was where I was meant to be.
Growing up in a Mexican household in Texas, I often dreamed out loud in a world that wasn’t always built for people like me. But those dreams never left, they lived in notebooks, Pinterest boards, and long walks on the treadmill where I imagined what it would feel like to one day step into big university and, most importantly, the fashion industry. And when UT said yes, I promised myself I would show up with everything I had.
That’s how I found University Fashion Group (UFG). I discovered them while researching student orgs, and I made sure to attend their first general meeting. They happened to be accepting applications for a Creative Director position, and I applied that same night. A week later, I interviewed and got the role.
That first leadership experience changed everything for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me find my voice within the university, and allowed me to build real friendships with people I now see in my TXA classes every week.
The following year, I became VP of Media & Branding, where I managed our creative team, led editorial production, and oversaw branding for UFG’s biggest events. It taught me how to lead photo shoots with vision, how to execute with clarity, and how to build trust within a team.
Now, heading into my senior year, I’m proud to serve as President of UFG. I’m also preparing to become the first college graduate in my family. It’s truly a surreal full-circle moment. I had once opened my UT acceptance letter in silence, not sure how I’d make it work, and I’m now leading the very organization that made this school feel like home.
UT Austin, along with UFG, has shaped me into the woman I used to imagine from the passenger seat of my mom’s car, one who isn’t afraid to take up space, who understands the emotional and strategic weight fashion carries.
As I prepare to graduate, I will carry more than a résumé; I will carry proof of what happens when ambition meets access. And if I can say anything to the first-gen, transfer, or quietly driven students reading this: I see you. Be proud of the climb. Your presence matters. You’re allowed to want more, and you’re capable of making it happen.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
I truly believe that when you’re passionate about something, whether it’s an organization, your personal growth, or your dreams, the energy behind it can make even the toughest journey feel smoother. That mindset has been essential for me.
Of course, the road hasn’t always been glamorous. Every summer and break, I return to a very different, but necessary reality. I help my parents with their work in building maintenance. That contrast keeps me grounded and reminds me that the struggles my parents endure are far greater than the challenges I face in uni. This perspective helps me appreciate the opportunities before me and fuels my determination to keep moving forward.
So, while my college path has had its rough moments, my passion to create meaningful spaces in the fashion industry where diverse stories and identities, including those of the Mexican community, are seen, valued, and elevated, has made the journey meaningful and ultimately, smooth in its way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
University Fashion Group (UFG) is UT Austin’s longest-standing fashion organization, dedicated to helping students explore and prepare for careers in the fashion industry. We specialize in producing our annual fashion show for our TXA Capstone Student, sending our UFG members to New York Fashion Week, and providing career-focused opportunities through workshops, panels, and industry partnerships.
What sets UFG apart is our commitment to giving students real-world experience while fostering a supportive community that builds confidence and meaningful connections within fashion. Our mission is to empower students by bridging the gap between education and the professional world, helping them develop the skills and leadership needed to succeed.
We’re most proud of our evolution into a career-driven organization that adapts alongside the changing landscape of the Textiles & Apparel program. At our core, we value passion, professionalism, and commitment—qualities that guide our members as they prepare to become tomorrow’s fashion leaders.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is not linear; it’s a continual process of growth and embodying your goals. Success means waking up each day with the drive to keep working, to keep creating, and to keep evolving. It’s about recognizing that you’re in a better place than you were a year ago, no matter how small the progress may seem.
Alexander McQueen is known for his bold, boundary-pushing designs. His journey was marked by relentless creativity and resilience, often turning his struggles into groundbreaking art. True success will come from embracing your unique vision and courageously evolving, even in the face of adversity, even if nobody is looking.
Pricing:
- UFG Membership dues: $30 per semester/ $48 year (UT studently only. Benefits include access to events, workshops, fashion show participation, and networking opportunities)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://universityfashiongroup.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universityfashiongroup/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazminhernandezarceo/
Image Credits
I have listen the credits in each photo!
