Author Archives: Samantha

Hong Kong Bucket List

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Hi everyone!
If you read my last post, you’ll know I’m headed to Hong Kong for an exchange semester with Hong Kong Polytechnic University!  As I pack up to leave, I thought I would share what is on my bucket list to do while I am there.
Hong Kong Disney Land
I’d love to go see Hong Kong Disney land, and see what it is like compared to my experiences at home with Disney!
Go to a Concert
One of my favorite things to do in NYC is catch a show of a band I like, and it would be super cool to have that experience on the other side of the world!  Unfortunately tour dates might not align, but I would love to see one of my favorite bands abroad if I have the chance.
Visit the Beaches!
Hong Kong is not just an jam packed cityscape, it also has beautiful beaches as it has loads of coastline.  I love going to the beach, and hope to check out a few different options.
Find a Favorite Coffee Shop
Going out for coffee with friends or with homework is so relaxing, and I want to find a local spot I love to study and socialize at.
Visit Starbucks and McDonalds
I know I can do this any day in New York but I’m curious to try the local specials!  I read an article that showcased special soft-serve flavors that are sometimes served at Hong Kong McDonalds locations, and I’m eager to taste-test.
Shop at the Night Markets
Hong Kong is infamous for its beautiful night markets, where vendors serve food and sell a variety of items.  I’d love to get a souvenir or two from one!
Attend a Sporting Event
Rugby and Equestrian sports are very popular in Hong Kong, and I have never been to an event for either.  It would be really cool to go and cheer on a team or horse!
I’m sure many more things will get added to this list, especially as I explore!  As I accomplish something on the list, I’ll share here so you can follow along.
Sam

I’m Going to Hong Kong!

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Hi everyone!

Soon I will be embarking on a semester abroad in Hong Kong!  FIT has a direct exchange with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which means I can complete my Production Management major required classes while I am abroad. Learn more about FIT’s study abroad programs here.

Studying abroad is something I wanted to do during my college experience, and I am excited to have the chance to spend the whole semester!  FIT offers semester-long programs, as well as ones that take place during Winter and Summer breaks.  I am taking my major classes at my host university, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which means I stay on-track to graduate.  FIT’s curriculum is very focused on your major classes, so I am glad I will not fall behind while I am away.  Also, studying and interning in Production Management means a lot of discussion about international manufacturing.  Hong Kong and China are two massive players in the apparel manufacturing realm- studying there will give me plenty of chances to better understand the local customs, geography, and to make connections.

Studying abroad is not only a great way to learn, but to have fun!  While I am there I would like to make a trip (or two!) to Japan and to Hong Kong Disney Land.  I’m looking forwards to visiting the night markets, checking out local cafes, and going to the beautiful beaches they have there.
I will be blogging here all along the way, from what my classes are like to fun activities I get to partake in!  Be sure to follow along.
Best,
Sam

My Favorite Free Student Resources

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Hi everyone,
Being a student at FIT means being creative- in more ways than one!  In order to get the most out of my time at FIT, I have found some unconventional ways to study and boost my productivity so I can best use my time.  Here are my favorite (free!) student resources to give you a leg up while not lifting a finger.
Business of Fashion Student Account
Thanks to TopShop, students can receive free access to Business of Fashion’s extensive library of articles related to all things apparel and beauty industry.  BoF sends a daily digest email so you can skim the headlines, or download the app to read on the go- articles download offline daily so you can read on the train.  Learn more about signing up here.
 
Chrome Extensions
If you regularly use Chrome for your web browser, check out some of the extensions available in the web store– many are free!  I use several to help me study Japanese while I’m working (or not working) on other tasks.  My favorites are Characterizer, which changes the first letter of a word to the Kanji character with the same meaning as the word, and Mainichi, which translates kanji characters I hover my mouse over.
Podcasts
I’ve already written about some of my favorite educational podcasts- read that blog post here if you missed it!
Audio Books
By now many people have heard of Audible, Amazon’s audio book service, but did you know that most public libraries have ways to check out audio books from your phone?  My library uses Overdrive, and I download audiobooks to listen to while I commute, run errands or clean my apartments.  Click here to see what NYPL offers through overdrive.  Check to see what digital resources your library has to offer by looking at their website!
These are just a few ways I like to multitask- have any of your own suggestions?  I’d love to hear them!
Sam

My First Semester in Upper Division

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This week marks the end of my first semester of my Bachelors program at FIT!  I attended FIT for the past two years for my associates degree as well- our school is structured as a “two plus two” system.  This means that you earn an Associates degree, and then reapply for your Bachelors program.
This program set up gives students the ability to transfer to another major (provided they have the required courses to do so) for their Bachelors or continue on to complete a Bachelors in their original program.  I decided to stay in Production Management, as I find it is what I am looking to do after graduation still.  However, many students have started in Production Management, for example, to transfer to Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing, International Trade and Marketing, or Entrepreneurship.  Students at FIT are able to build an education that suits the career they one day hope to have.
So what’s different between the Associates program and the Bachelors?  Here are a few things I noticed after being in upper division.
New Classmates
My program gained new students from majors inside FIT, and out!  While a few of my friends left for other programs, it was great to receive new classmates whom I can study with and learn from.  FIT students are passionate about what they do, and everyone has worked hard together.
More In-Depth Classes
In my Associates degree, I felt as though there were many classes that were foundational classes, such as Excel and Patternmaking.  We have really built on said foundation in the classes I took this year, such as an advanced Excel class and an Equipment Analysis class.  The classes are more focused on my major, which for me is great as I find the subjects interesting and a good challenge.
Repeat Professors
This was my favorite part of staying in Production Management!  I was able to take another class of one of my favorite professors, and look forwards to taking others next year as well.  Especially in a smaller program like mine, there are several professors who teach multiple types of classes you are required to take.  It is nice to get to know your professors beyond just one class!
Study Abroad
If you would like to spend a semester abroad, it will likely be in your upper division program!  If this is something you are interested in, it is never too early to start learning about the process.  You can see what locations each major recommends here.
These are just a few of the differences I noticed between lower and upper division at FIT.  Don’t let the 2+2 style scare you!  It’s a great way to customize your education for what you want to do- wether that shifts after your first two years or stays the same.
Best,
Sam

Listen and Learn- Podcasts to Check Out!

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Podcasts are popular in New York City, especially if you commute in any way!  I love listening to podcasts, and subscribe to a lot- some purely for fun or personal interest, and a few that have helped with my major and general education classes.
Here are my top picks for learning on the go!
Planet Money/The Indicator – An NPR podcast duo that translate economics and international trade into relatable and tolerable bites.  The Indicator comes out almost every weekday, and has helped me keep up to date with all the changing trade tariffs and duties- a big part of Production Management, my major at FIT!
Freakanomics Radio – Another economic podcast, but this one is much more goofy- a recent episode is solely dedicated to Trader Joe’s grocery stores.  I’ve also enjoyed series they have done on what CEOs actually do, and their unconventional approaches to solving the world’s problems.
How I Built This – The host, Guy Raz, interviews founders of all kinds of companies, from Eileen Fischer to Kate Spade, Bobbi Brown to Glossier.  Hear how they built their companies, and get inspired!  FIT offers a bachelors degree in Entrepreneurship, but graduates and students of many programs at FIT have gone on to build their own companies.
Every Little Thing – Got questions about every little thing? So does Flora, who won’t rest til she finds the answers. Why do we keep goldfish as pets?  What do the laundry symbols on your clothing tags mean?  Listen and learn tidbits of trivia that can start a conversation or answer a question you’ve never even known you wanted to ask.
These are just a few edutainment podcasts I subscribe to! Have any suggestions?  Comment below!
Best,
Samantha