College is a big step for a high school senior, especially when their passions are atypical. Chase Demangone, a senior, dreams of fragrance marketing at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology.
Demangone knew this path was right for him because of his collection of colognes and perfumes. “My interest in fragrance started around freshman year when skincare became a really big thing on TikTok,” says Demangone. “I started doing skincare, and I really found a great passion for hygiene and being clean. Smelling good was a top priority.” Having an influence like creators online helped open the door to his interest in collecting, especially since they are pursuing similar paths.
Entering creators’ giveaways only elevated his interest in trying and collecting new scents. “I have won three different [giveaways] which have helped me build my collection.” Along the way, Demangone has also picked up on the important vocabulary needed to go into his intended career. “TikTok has been very helpful in so many ways,” he says.
Fragrance marketing is a very exclusive program, due to the thorough coursework and specificity overall. The school picks the most passionate students to go through the program and be the most successful in the workforce. Demangone chose this school because of how specific it is to his interests, and how big of an accomplishment it would be to be able to go.
Due to the high exclusivity of the program, Demangone considered backup schools. He applied to the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Kansas, all for business.
The business aspect as a whole is what Demangone inevitably wants to go for. Though undecided on a backup, Demangone has an end goal in mind. “I want to figure out the main steps to starting a business,” he says. “I would eventually figure out the fragrance part on my own.” With or without a degree from FIT, Demangone will find the path to achieve his goals.
Decision letters don’t come out until early to mid-April, so plans might turn quickly. Luckily, though, Demangone has been accepted to all of the previously mentioned schools. With a 4.25 weighted GPA, his chance at New York’s FIT is in his favor.
Along with being a student, Demangone is a part of the men’s volleyball team, and has been since seventh grade. He is also a part of multiple honor societies, the president of the recycling club, and plenty more. He has stayed plenty involved throughout his high school career. Demangone has learned the skill of time management and patience along the way, which are key characteristics to have not only in college, but throughout life.
Playing sports at a collegiate level can often be difficult and stressful. Though considered, Demangone plans to focus on school initially. “I would like to get adjusted to the school environment first, and if there are any sports clubs that interest me later on, then I may join.” Taking the pressure off the first year of college is a smart way to ease off the stress, as well as ease into the college lifestyle as a whole. Striving for the connection through sports is in Demangone’s sightline, but he isn’t worried if plans are set aside for a while.
Taking all interests into consideration, Demangone hopes to attend New York’s FIT in the fall to study fragrance marketing. In a few years, you’ll find his fragrance line on the shelves of local beauty stores, and his picture on the buildings in Times Square.
