Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies major Raegan White ’26 (right) had a purposeful work internship this summer as a bridal stylist assistant in New York City at Kleinfeld Bridal, home of "Say Yes to the Dress" fame. Here White, a Texas bride, and the bridal stylist celebrate the moment in which the bride declares that she is "committing" to purchase the dress she's wearing.
An interesting fact about White's internship: “No bride is the same, and every appointment is a unique experience. At Kleinfeld, we meet brides from all walks of life. Many come in with insecurities or anxiety, and it’s our responsibility to create a welcoming space where they feel completely comfortable.”
A key takeaway from White's summer: “Rhetoric — the art of effective communication — is a skill I’ve come to appreciate on a much deeper level through my work at Kleinfeld. While I’ve studied rhetorical techniques in the classroom, this internship has shown me how essential they are in the real-world.”
What purposeful work means to her: “This work is purposeful because a wedding is one of the most important days in a person’s life. The dress a bride chooses is often tied to her identity, her values, and how she wants to feel in that moment. Helping her feel seen, understood, and celebrated isn’t just retail — it’s emotional, human work.”