{"id":12774,"date":"2025-06-05T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/?p=12774"},"modified":"2025-06-25T08:33:01","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T13:33:01","slug":"first-gen-files-shelbi-tidwell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/first-gen-files-shelbi-tidwell\/","title":{"rendered":"First Gen Files: Shelbi Tidwell"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:46% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-T-1-1-724x1024.png\" alt=\"Justin Boots Product Designer, Shelbi Tidwell, posing with boots designed for the 47th POTUS.\" class=\"wp-image-12824 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-T-1-1-724x1024.png 724w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-T-1-1-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-T-1-1-283x400.png 283w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-T-1-1-768x1086.png 768w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-T-1-1-1086x1536.png 1086w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-T-1-1.png 1414w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>\u201cIt\u2019s [Tarleton State University] a place where you can find your people, grow in your field and make the kind of memories that stick with you long after graduation.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Shelbi Tidwell<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Tarleton State Alumna, Class of 2016 | First Generation Graduate<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These boots were made for walking and that\u2019s just what they\u2019ll do. One of these Shelbi Tidwell just might design some boots for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-tarleton-purple-color has-texan-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-4dda889e3e7a7f802fd38b55f89bb7fb\">~ <em><strong>Life At Tarleton State<\/strong><\/em> <strong><em>University<\/em><\/strong> ~<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Shelbi Tidwell, Texas-native and first generation graduate, began her Tarleton State University journey in 2013.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Tidwell, making Tarleton State her new home was almost a no-brainer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI loved that Stephenville has a small town feel and it wasn&#8217;t too far to be able to go home when needed,\u201d Tidwell shared.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During her time on campus, she enjoyed spending time on campus with her friends attending various traditional events like the L.V. Risinger Bonfire, the Lighting of the Smokestack and much more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In July 2016, less than a month before crossing the commencement stage, Tidwell accepted an internship position with Justin Brands, Inc. in their Product and Development Department. Her internship, combined with her new degree, helped set her on a new career path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In August 2016, Shelbi graduated with a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Fashion Design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Although that specific emphasis is no longer available, Tarleton State continues to offer a variety of programs for more artistically inclined students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-tarleton-purple-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/programs.tarleton.edu\/\">Find Your Major <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-tarleton-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-9fec5041026a9f44533a43070753d129\"><em><strong>~ Life After Tarleton State University ~<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Shortly after finishing her internship at Justin Brands, Shelbi accepted a full-time position as a Product Designer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m involved in every stage of bringing a boot to life from concept to shelf. That includes researching trends, sketching designs, selecting leathers and materials, and collaborating with factories to get the products made,\u201d Tidwell shared.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shelbi\u2019s role does not simply stop at creating custom boot designs for everyday consumers. She has had the honor to channel her creativity by creating special, one-of-a-kind pairs for artists, public figures or special events.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Five years into her career at Justin Brands, Shelbi was selected for the Cowgirl 30 Under 30 Class of 2021.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:18px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"12829\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Shelbi Tidwell posed with country music legend, George Strait.\" class=\"wp-image-12829\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-1-300x400.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-1-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-1-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-1-1568x2091.jpeg 1568w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-1-scaled.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"12832\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-5-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Shelbi Tidwell posed with country music legend, George Strait.\" class=\"wp-image-12832\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-5-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-5-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-5-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-5-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-5-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-5-1568x2091.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-5-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-tarleton-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e6b0e338cc11c102068353d5fb070685\"><em><strong>~ Q&amp;A with Shelbi Tidwell ~<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tarleton-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-905b50aaae6aee6e213ba976ebeb3d8b\"><strong><em>Q: What would you tell incoming\/prospective students about Tarleton State University?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tarleton-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b0d510e6b9f969daf1ebff46c3043648\">A: \u201cI\u2019d tell future students that Tarleton has a strong sense of community and a lot of heart! Traditions like the Purple Poo&nbsp; and everything that makes Homecoming week so unique make you feel like you\u2019re part of something bigger. It\u2019s a place where you can find your people, grow in your field, and make the kind of memories that stick with you long after graduation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tarleton-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3a29ce6acd17937cae068f76c05c4f1e\"><strong><em>Q: If you could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-tarleton-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a29076008fd9d88bcf7180af99074ac6\">A: \u201cIf I could go back, I\u2019d tell myself to stop second-guessing so much. You\u2019re more capable than you think, and it\u2019s okay not to have everything figured out right away!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Making your time count at Tarleton State starts by simply making it your home.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-tarleton-purple-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/admissions\/#steps-to-apply\">Become A Tarleton State Texan <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cIt\u2019s [Tarleton State University] a place where you can find your people, grow in your field and make the kind of memories that stick with you long after graduation.\u201d&nbsp; Shelbi &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":687,"featured_media":12823,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","wds_primary_category":138,"footnotes":""},"categories":[138,208],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni-series","category-first-generation-student"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-T-2.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Blake Smith","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/author\/bsmith1\/"},"author_meta":{"display_name":"Blake Smith","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/author\/bsmith1\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/05\/Shelbi-T-2.png","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/category\/alumni-series\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Alumni Series<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/category\/first-generation-student\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">First Generation Student<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Alumni Series<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">First Generation Student<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":0,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 10 months ago","modified":"Updated 10 months ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on June 5, 2025","modified":"Updated on June 25, 2025"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on June 5, 2025 9:00 am","modified":"Updated on June 25, 2025 8:33 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12774","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/687"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12774"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12774\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12900,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12774\/revisions\/12900"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12774"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12774"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/becomeatexan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12774"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}