Crafting a Radiant Tomorrow: This is the revised version of the original text.

Crafting a Radiant Tomorrow: This is the revised version of the original text.

If Lara Rabinowitz '22 ever had doubts about her unconventional academic path, studying abroad put them to rest. The proud NC State alumna, fresh off the graduation stage, took her fashion and textile design degree and paired it with her anthropology degree during a research trip to Cyprus in 2019. Turns out, these seemingly dissimilar disciplines share more common ground than one might think.

"Yeah, man, there's some serious overlap between textiles and anthropology, especially in archaeology and uncovering artifacts," Rabinowitz declared. "I'm always curious about how textiles are found and excavated, even though it wasn't the main focus of the trip."

NC State's Global Engagement Awards Fund made Rabinowitz's journey possible, allowing her to embark on a research expedition in a foreign land before COVID-19 upended international travel. Despite the disruptions, Rabinowitz seized every opportunity to immerse herself in new cultures, paving the way for her post-graduation move out West.

Growing up in the heart of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Rabinowitz's penchant for fashion and textiles was evident from a young age. Her maternal lineage speckled with quilters and home crafters laid the groundwork for her future passion. As a budding artist, Rabinowitz reveled in art and history lessons and spent countless hours engrossed in DIY craft projects with family.

Fast forward to her high school years, and Rabinowitz found herself falling head over heels for NC State after participating in a College of Design summer camp and then the treasured Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP). The opportunity to learn from seasoned professors, some of whom she'd eventually attend classes with, cemented her decision to join the Wolfpack. A generous scholarship from the North Carolina Textile Foundation also played a pivotal role in her choice, easing her family's financial burden and imbuing her with a sense of belonging in the Wilson College of Textiles.

Rabinowitz enrolled as a freshman in the fashion and textile design program within the Wilson College of Textiles, with a concentration in textile design. She later added anthropology as a second major following a cultural anthropology course that sparked her curiosity during her first semester on campus. This serendipitous encounter led to her first study-abroad opportunity, as she leaned into the Cyprus dig led by the Departments of Sociology and Anthropology and History. The challenge was figuring out how to foot the bill.

Rabinowitz applied for the Global Engagement Awards Fund, which funded her trip and primed her for success in the burgeoning international job market. Made possible by philanthropists like Mohamed Mansour '68, the Global Engagement Awards Fund supports students like Rabinowitz in experiencing the world beyond their comfort zones while having a blast along the way. Happily for Rabinowitz, Mansour was her commencement speaker, bringing her unique educational journey full circle.

Mansour's generosity to the Global Engagement Awards Fund has inspired countless students like Rabinowitz to explore the world beyond NC State. The young alumna has ventured far and wide, participating in various study-abroad programs, ASB trips, and soaking up everything Europe had to offer at the NC State European Center in Prague. One of her most memorable experiences took her to Hoonah, Alaska, a small island inhabited by a large Tlingit native population. She joined the ASB program as a participant one year and returned later as a leader, forming lifelong bonds with fellow participants.

The Cyprus trip inspired Rabinowitz to focus her senior showcase on historical artifacts and cultural significance. This focus led her to delve into archaeological theory and the concept of object agency, creating a display of iconic items from her life that transcended mere form and function. Rabinowitz then submitted her senior showcase to the NC State Undergraduate Research & Creativity Symposium, funded by a Research Award from the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Now that her time at NC State has come to an end, Rabinowitz heads westward for a special internship this summer with window-covering company Hunter Douglas. As part of the textiles division, she'll use her interdisciplinary skills to design window blinds that balance aesthetic appeal and performance, ensuring a long and successful career in the world of fashion and textiles.

Rabinowitz remains grateful for the support that has shaped her academic journey, asserting that private backing has been crucial to her ability to attend NC State and pursue her multifaceted interests. "Sure, there's a gazillion amazing things you can donate your dough to in this crazy world," Rabinowitz noted. "But investing in education? That's a pretty damn great choice, 'cause it empowers people to realize their dreams, lift the financial weight off their shoulders, and focus on their passions."

For those interested in supporting the Global Engagement Awards Fund and other giving opportunities at NC State, click here to learn more. This post was originally published in Giving News.

1. Lara Rabinowitz expressed her fascination with the overlap between textiles and anthropology, particularly in archaeology, during her research trip to Cyprus.
2. NC State's Global Engagement Awards Fund covered the expenses for Rabinowitz's research expedition abroad before international travel was disrupted due to COVID-19.
3. The desire to study fashion and textile design was ignited in Rabinowitz at a young age, with her family's artistic lineage playing a significant role.
4. A scholarship from the North Carolina Textile Foundation and her participation in NC State's Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) helped Rabinowitz confirm her decision to attend NC State.
5. During her first semester, Rabinowitz added anthropology as a second major after being captivated by a cultural anthropology course at NC State.
6. Rabinowitz's senior showcase focused on historical artifacts and cultural significance, delving into archaeological theory and the concept of object agency.
7. After graduation, Rabinowitz will intern with window-covering company Hunter Douglas, using her interdisciplinary skills to design window blinds that balance aesthetic appeal and performance.
8. Rabinowitz appreciates the support she received throughout her academic journey, highlighting that private donations have been essential in enabling her to attend NC State and pursue her interests.
9. For individuals keen on supporting the Global Engagement Awards Fund and other giving opportunities at NC State, more information can be found by clicking here on NC State's Education and Self-Development section, under the heading of Online Education, Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty, Home and Garden, and other related categories.

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