Since she was 14, Kelly Behr knew she wanted to pursue Fashion Merchandising. Her passion was sparked after attending a dance costume show, where she fell in love with the behind-the-scenes process. That early fascination evolved into a focused academic path: she's now majoring in Fashion Merchandising with a concentration in Promotion, and minoring in Global Studies and Journalism. 

When it came time for college, her mom, a high school guidance counselor, suggested Marist for its strong fashion program and a campus that felt just right: relatively small, walkable, and close to home. Kelly applied early decision, confident Marist was where she belonged. But when she discovered the First Year Florence Experience (FFE), everything changed. Initially skeptical, her parents were eventually persuaded by a detailed PowerPoint presentation she created, covering everything from safety to grocery prices. Convinced, they gave her the green light. By August, she was departing JFK for what would become the most transformative year of her life.

Her time in Florence expanded both her academic and personal horizons. A standout class was Anthropology of Fashion, which deepened her understanding of the relationship between culture and style, complementing her major in unexpected ways. She also formed close relationships with professors like Livia Quaresmini, whose passion for sustainability helped shape Kelly’s career goals. “She told me I had the ‘it’ that was needed for the industry and to stay in touch. That moment stayed with me,” Kelly said. The orientation retreat in the Italian countryside also left a lasting mark. “Those first few days were full of every emotion—excitement, nerves, discomfort—it was there that I bonded with people I still call my best friends nearly two years later,” she recalled.
Back on the Poughkeepsie campus, Kelly continued building meaningful relationships, especially with Professor Stephanie Conover, who brought her onto the Fashion Social Media Team. “Professor Conover reminded me I belong here, and that the space I take up was meaningful to those around me,” Kelly said. That support, combined with hands-on experiences and peer connection, helped her find her niche.

Today, Kelly hopes to work for an eco-conscious company in product development or promotions, raising awareness about sustainability, an interest sparked in Florence. She recently landed an internship with a plant-based activewear brand, a direct result of her evolving interests across both campuses.

Her advice to future students? “Stick with it and stay true to yourself. Your unique experiences, especially through programs like First Year Abroad, give you power within yourself. In such a competitive industry, choose community over comparison. You choose who you show up as.”