Anastasia Dragatsis

What high school did you attend? And year of graduation?

I attended Joliet Catholic Academy and graduated in 2013.

What University are you attending? And year?

I graduated from Kent State University in December of 2017

What is your major and why?

I have a dual degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business Management and a minor in Marketing. I have had a love for the fashion industry since I was about 7 and knew I wanted to run with this passion once I was old enough to attend college. Further, having such an entrepreneurial father, I have also always had an interest in the work that goes into running a business and knew I wanted to become more knowledgeable about business operations. Moving forward with both of my passions was one of the greatest decisions I have made. I have challenged myself, yet I feel very rewarded and prepared to begin my life after college.

What do you like most about your school?

What I love most about Kent State University is how small it feels even though it is the largest university in the Northeast Ohio area. Anywhere I go on campus or around town, I am always likely to run into a familiar face. I also love how inspiring the school and my professors are. Because it is a liberal arts school, with so much history, I can always feel the culture and inspiration walking around campus. Kent State University's Fashion school is ranked fourth in the nation for their merchandising program. I feel so blessed to have been able to attend a school with so much opportunity.

What is an essential thing you must have while studying?

Coffee, my water bottle and soft music. When I am not in school or studying, I like to be active. Being active is such a great way for me to clear my mind or re-focus myself if I am in the midst of working on a major project. I also like taking pictures and editing them, as I am a creative person and like to capture anything that inspires me. Lastly, any free time I have, I like to spend with my family and friends!

Do you have post college plans?

I have accepted a full-time position with Claire's as an assistant buyer for the global team in Hoffman Estates, IL. I will be working on the global team for home décor and hope to be promoted to an associate buyer within a year. I plan to stay with the company to gain experience as a buyer before moving on to the next step in my career.

What is your dream job and why?

I do not have an ultimate dream job, as there is still so much for me to discover within the industry I have just started with. However, I do know that I would like to continue on the path as a buyer, and I hope to become a senior buyer for a company that will allow me to interact globally. I find it so fascinating to have a high-level of responsibility and I am pushing myself to eventually be there.

What does AHEPA mean to you?

AHEPA means community to me. Wherever I may go, I know that I have AHEPA to help me create my own personal community. It is almost a home away from home to me. AHEPA connects so many people together, allowing everyone to share their tradition and stories with one another, and that is so inspiring to me. With AHEPA, you will never forget where you came from and you will never be alone.

Whom do you look up to and why?

I will always look up to my father, James Dragatsis. He is one of the hardest-working people I have ever known and he is always so motivated to keep moving forward. I have learned many great work ethics from him that have been able to help get me where I am today in life. He will do anything for our family, and that type of gratitude is amazing to me. He supports me in everything I do, and I know I can count on him, whenever, wherever.

Tell us an accomplishment that makes you particularly proud.

I decided to pursue two different degree programs, therefore I was at Kent State University for one extra semester. However, my last semester was the most challenging one yet, as I was completing a fulltime internship in Cleveland while taking 7 courses. I balanced everything so well, and walking across the stage on graduation day was one of the best feelings ever. To top off the feeling of receiving two degrees and a minor, accepting a full-time position so soon after graduating was a very proud moment for myself. It is amazing to know how much I can push myself to do well when I am motivated. With my time at Kent State University, I have learned so much about myself that has been able to help me succeed to where I am today in life.

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since 01/26/1927

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