Category Archives: Life Post-College

Winter Break

Hi everyone!

Currently I am on winter break! While I have a hard time just relaxing and taking it easy, I have been doing my best to spend as much time with family as possible. As I am a senior, this will likely be my last long chunk of time off, and I am trying to enjoy it while I have it!

Last summer I was talking to someone who had graduated a few years prior, and she emphasized how she missed winter break the most. Since pretty much everything winds down around the holidays, it’s a great time to hang out with family and get some rest. Thinking about what she has said has made me appreciate this time a lot more. My birthday is also around the holidays, so overall it has always been a time of rest and celebration. I’m going to do my best even when I do start working to set aside time off to make my own mini “winter break”.

As I get ready to start my last semester at FIT, I’m reminded how great my time has been. As excited as I am to be done, I will definitely miss the little perks of being a student. Seeing my friends in class every week, having access to the sewing labs and other resources, the student discounts, the knowledgable professors, the interesting coursework. It has been a great three and a half years, and hopefully this last half is just a cherry on top.

What’s your favorite time of year?

Sam

An End and A Beginning

For One Last Time… Hey Everyone,

Two days ago, I officially graduated from FIT. The ceremony could not have taken place on a more perfect day. Now that I have finished college and can look back on my four years, I want to share a few of the most valuable takeaways I have from attending FIT.

Your Hard Work Will Be Rewarding: One of the most important things I built at FIT was my work ethic. With every project I had, I set aside time in order to put 100% of my heart into my work. My work ethic grew stronger and more secure as the years went on. By putting hard work into everything I did, I came out of school with an internship I learned from, a GPA I am proud of, and a portfolio I am excited to work with.

It Is Okay To Make Time For Yourself: Do not forget to make time to relax and enjoy all Manhattan has to offer. There is nothing wrong with slowing down and taking a break from the hours of hard work. Sometimes, breaks from projects give more room for ideas and brainstorming.

Failure Is NOT a Bad Thing: Not every project or assignment is going to go as planned. Now is the time to take chances and make mistakes. It is the time to try new things and learn how to make something better for the next time around. Do not let failure discourage you, but rather inspire you!

Always Be True to Your Passions and Aspirations…and Most Importantly, Yourself: Never lose sight of why you are here or your passions. Be yourself unapologetically and take the time to come into who you really are. Now is the time to learn, grow, and blossom into the truest version of yourself.

It has been an incredible journey here at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I have learned so much and grown immensely; this chapter will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to the next chapter ahead. Best of luck to all you soon-to-be graduates!

Thanks For Reading,
Annmarie X

Final Thoughts: Graduation

Hey All,

I wanted to take a minute to write more of a personal blog. This Thursday I will officially be graduating with a BFA in Illustration from FIT. My journey has been rewarding in ways I cannot describe. I cannot believe the end of my chapter at FIT is around the corner, and a whole new chapter is about to begin.
I have grown so much as an individual at this school, and I am so grateful for the experience. Though filled with much hard work, without FIT, I would not have been able to bring my craft to a level I did not previously imagine possible. Without FIT, I would not have made amazing friendships and been taught by incredible mentors. Without FIT, I would not have been connected to my internship that I have now been working with for almost two years. Without FIT I would not be the independent, go-getting woman that I am today. I owe a lot to this school, a lot to my dedication, and a lot to my aspirations for the future.
I am excited for what the future has to bring, and the challenges that lie ahead for me. FIT has prepared me for the real world, and I am looking forward to taking on this new journey. This week, as I finish my last two classes of college, I look back with fond memories and important lessons.
Congratulations Graduates! Your hard work has paid off, and your new adventure begins now.

Best,
Annmarie X

Aaaaannnd BREAK!

Hello Everyone,

It’s that time of the semester where we are granted a much appreciated week of (hopeful) rest and relaxation! Although I fully support taking time to decompress and catch up on your favorite TV shows… it’s always a good idea to use some free time to get ahead. Here are just a few helpful tips on how to stay ahead of the game when break rolls around!
Get Ahead of the To Dos: After a few days of unwinding, I always check my to-do list on while break. Not only do I check for what I had assigned over the break, but I like to see what projects I will have to tackle in the next few weeks. This helps me get a head start to the tasks I will have to take on. I can use my time to create my personal portfolio for job applications as well. In the end, I have more time to relax and feel less stressed completing my work.
Get Ahead of the Job Hunt: More recently as a final semester senior, I have been using my break and free time to consider my future (eep!). Whether it be an “end-goal” career or internship to get a foot in the door, it is always good to keep updated with positions currently listed in your field. Spending some of the free time I have to prepare for my post-college life has allowed me to explore my options and decide what I want to pursue after undergrad. Of course, FIT’s Career and Internship Center that is a useful tool for this process as well.
Get Ahead of the SLEEP! As silly as it sounds, I have been using my time to catch up on more than emails- break allows for the necessary recuperation time to finish the semester on a high note. I been able to enjoy time with family, friends, and map out a plan for my last weeks of college.
How do you spend your breaks? Hopefully some of you have been able to unwind, and maybe even hit the beach… I know that’s my first stop during summer for sure!

Best break wishes,
Annmarie x

Nearly Time: Graduation

Hey Guys,

And it begins! This past week, FIT held portraits with Thornton Studios for students who are graduating. The official FIT Commencement will take place at Radio City Hall this year- that’s right, Radio City Hall! The ceremony is on May 24th, and will be split into two portions. Students who are in the School of Art and Design and the School of Liberal Arts are graduating at the 10am ceremony. The students of the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology are graduating at the 3pm ceremony. Caps, gowns and tassels are now available for purchase here. The ceremony, which usually lasts about two and a half hours, is going to be here before we know it!

My journey at FIT has been a valuable and one full of learning and growth. Graduation has been something I have always looked forward to accomplishing, and I cannot believe it is nearly here. As I prepare for my final few months at FIT, I hope to reflect on my time here and look ahead to the new chapter of life. It is always rewarding to see hard work and perseverance pay off. Hopefully more graduation-prep updates to come on the blog! If you too are graduating, you can be sure to register here. Until next time, best of luck, soon-to-be grads!

Annmarie x