Malia Morris's First Year Out of College

Author: Malia Morris

The Year After

If you told 18 year old Malia the life she is living today, she would be over the moon. Last year, in May of 2025, I graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Apparel Merchandising and the time in between then and now has been everything I could have hoped for.

In the months leading up to my graduation, the only thing on my mind was where my first job might be.

I knew I wanted to get my head start in retail, and ideally somewhere that could be easily transferable across cities, since I was moving near by, to Moscow, Idaho, but only for a short amount of time.

I read and searched for roles that I could be great at, but nothing felt perfect.

Target for The Win

Amongst dozens of applications, I applied for the lead Visual Merchandising role at Target and remember thinking in the moment that it was unlikely.

Soon enough, I was working my way through phone calls with the recruiter, an amazing interview process, and being able to call my mom saying “I got the job!!!”

I started in my role immediately after graduation, and since have used a multitude of skills and traits I learned across not only my degree, but through my time in Alpha Chi.

I get to execute visual displays through the apparel floorpad, maintain brand alignment and create a compelling salesfloor based on customer engagement and sales. Along with this, I get to be apart of leading and training a team. I am so beyond grateful to have gotten a role that feels perfect.

Time for Fun

Aside from my wonderful job, I am also very grateful for the other aspects of my life that have fallen so perfectly into place. During my time at WSU, I always felt like I never had enough time for hobbies, and so I have greatly prioritized reconnecting with my favorites, and also picking up new ones. I started reading so much more, and finding my favorites spots to do so. Turns out, going to coffee shops and not having to study is incredibly fun!

I began sewing again, starting projects that I have been putting off forever, and finishing projects that I never got to. And maybe my favorite one, taking my dog on walks and finding our perfect route through the neighborhood.

I also moved in with my boyfriend, a dream come true since high school, and it has been so much fun continuing to build our life together post-grad. Coming off of spending every day with my people for 4 years straight, I miss my friends dearly, but I am also very grateful to be making new friends, new memories, and enjoying each day as it comes.

Everything, in time

At 18, stepping into college, freedom felt exhilarating. At 21 and leaving it behind, that very same freedom felt intimidating. Still, I held on to my favorite quote “Everything, in time”.

I remained patient, reminding myself that whatever happened was meant to, and to take each moment as it came, good or bad. I had no idea what life would look like after graduation, but now, a year later, I can say that it is everything I could have dreamed of. I cannot wait to see what the next years have in store! 

Malia Morris - we are proud to call you Sister!

Follow us on Instagram and/or join our Facebook group!