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The University of Alabama has something to brag about since this is the second time that they are going to have a representative on the reality show, “Project Runway.” Project Runway is an American fashion design club hosted by Heidi Klum and can be seen Lifetime Television Network.
The first alumnus is Anthony Williams who competed last year. Now, it is the sexy Amanda Perna turn to hit the runway in the newest season “Project Runway 9”.
Perna finished her study in UA on 2008. She now resides in New York, working as an assistant designer for Calvin Klein.
She got her own clothing line, which she had started when she was still studying. The clothing line called “Couture Chaos”.
Perna believes that she got all her success because of the valiant effort of UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences Department, but Dr. Sue Parker made the biggest impact on her life.
All of the staffs in the department contributed to her success. Dr. Parker did more just contribute to her success; since she was Perna's mentor, the person responsible for getting her involved with almost everything.
Dr. Parker is one of those people who came into her life and Perna would never want to leave. She is so positive that she affects anyone near her. Perna is thankful that she has something like Dr. Sue behind her.
Parker, a close friend of Perna’s family say Amanda is highly intelligent, sensitive, energetic and passionate about what she is working. Her success comes from the fact that she is entrepreneurial in nature.
Perna claims she got scared to go to New York, but her journey to New York has opened many doors for her.
Milla Boschung, dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences says that having two alumni representing the college on a popular show such as Project Runway proves that they have exceptional graduates from their school.
Boschung says Amanda was creative and supportive to her fellow students at the same time.
Perna has a soft side for Tuscaloosa, even though that most of her success is from the Northeast.
For her, Tuscaloosa is a magical place, in a sense that UA students and alumni have the best of both worlds. They have a strong fashion program and have the aid of dedicated teachers. It is a combination of the creative end and the academic end.
Boschung says Amanda has remained close to the HES faculty even after graduation. Amanda returned just in time for homecoming 2010 to spend the day to speak to students and give a professional career advice, for the next generation of fashion designers.
Perna said that her first intention for joining the reality show was to get her fashion line notice by people. Also to prove to herself that she can compete with the best.
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