Tag Archives: Brendan

Make More Mistakes

In life, we will all have experiences that won’t go exactly as we want them to…most likely this will happen more than once. Sometimes small details are forgotten, the timing just isn’t right, or you made a mistake. Mistakes are tough to swallow – for me at least. I would tend to say I lean towards being a perfectionist, which means I don’t like making mistakes. Often times being a perfectionist is beneficial to me, because it pushes me to work my hardest and give my best effort. Yet when that inevitable mistake is made, I am very hard on myself.

As a student, its integral to make mistakes. If we were all literally perfect, there would be no point for us to be in college, to be taking classes and learning new information – because we would know it all already! Even so called perfectionists like myself need to make mistakes because that is the only way to learn. I wanted to share with you a recent “mistake” I made, how it affected me, and how I am using this to learn and move forward.

Over the past few weeks, I have been interviewing for internships for next semester. I had an in person interview with a major television network in one of their digital production departments. I felt very confident going into the interview (despite my butterflies) about my resume and my skills that were applicable to the internship. From the moment I walked into the interview, I felt a connection with the women I was to speak with. We were laughing and established a great rapport. The interview went very well, I shook their hands and thanked them for their time and off I went!

With this certain company, when they contact you letting you know about the outcome of the interview, they give you feedback as to how your interview went and pointers on what to do better. A few days later, I received my email and was very upset to find that I didn’t get the internship. They said my interview went great, and it came down to me and another candidate. The determining factor was that the other candidate had sent a follow up email to the interviewers and I hadn’t….

Immediately my heart went into my stomach. I can’t believe I forgot to send a follow up email! I have done multiple interviews and ALWAYS send a follow up email – how had I forgotten?! This is where the “beating self up” begins, and asking myself “What as I thinking? Or what wasn’t I thinking?!” I couldn’t believe that had I not forgotten to send an email thanking them, I possibly could’ve had the internship. How could I be so stupid??

And this is where I had to stop myself, take a step back, and flip the way I was looking at this. Despite being disappointed and embarrassed, there was nothing I could do to change the situation now. I know I gave my best during the interview, and for some reason I had forgotten to follow up. Its okay. I’m not going to die. The world isn’t going to burn over. I’m just not going to intern with that company at this time. Simple as that. ITS OKAY.

This mistake, that seemed so monumental in the moment, was such a learning experience for me. Although it came with temporary uncomfortable feelings, I walked away from it learning something – that I will never NOT send a follow up email. That will always be a priority from here on out, when entering the job market.

This event opened me up to a bigger idea – that in my life, I need to make more mistakes. That its OKAY. I need to sometimes fall down, so I can get up a bit bruised, but a heck of a lot stronger and smarter. Life isn’t meant to be understood – and boy do I not always understand it. But I believe that moments like these, and many others, happen at a specific time for a specific reason, so that I can LEARN something specific. I can’t always be Brendan the Perfectionist. It won’t always work that way. I will make mistakes, I will learn, and I will always be a gracious, positive, hardworking person. And that’s what truly matters.

Thanks for letting me vent a bit. I tell you this story to prevent the same thing from happening to you. I hope this lesson applies to more than just thank you notes, but bigger things as well. Its also ironic because I’ve written a blog post in the past about sending Thank You notes after interviews – and look who forgot 😉 Well, I’m human. And it’s okay.

xx,

Brendan

 

 

Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg!

I hate to say it, but before this past weekend, I had never been to the Brooklyn Flea Market or Smorgasburg. As a (part-time) New Yorker, it seemed like a disgrace! I have always heard such wonderful things about the variety of delicious, funky, new foods that are offered there and my mouth would water on the spot. Or when someone is wearing a unique piece of clothing, half of the time they found it at Brooklyn Flea. Now, as a senior, being here for almost 4 years, I HAD to make the trip to Brooklyn to experience it for myself.

IMG_8581The Brooklyn Flea has grown into one of New York City’s top attractions, operating flea markets every weekend of the year that feature hundreds of top vendors of furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers, plus delicious fresh food. The delicious, artisanal, Brooklyn based foods are what makes up Smorgasburg.

Since the next few months will be getting much chillier, the Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg has moved to an indoor location in Sunset Park, BK. Its only open on the weekends from 10 am to 6 pm. With 150 vendors, Brooklyn Flea is the ALWAYS a fun idea for a Saturday or Sunday. Multiple Saturday’s and Sunday’s 😉IMG_8569

I just wanted to share a few of my favorite spots at Brooklyn Flea and the yummy treats I enjoyed!

IMG_8570dAns Parents House

Ask anyone who knew me growing up, I was always obsessed with toys. Figurines, play-sets, knick knacks, Barbie dolls, GI Joes – you name it, I had it. So, when I stumbled upon dAN’s Parent’s House at Brooklyn Flea, I was in heaven. Walking into the pop up shop is a trip down memory lane. The nostalgia and pure joy that comes over you is crazy. Dan’s collection of toys is remarkable and if you’re like me, I’m sure you’ll find a toy you once owned too! 

IMG_8573Ramen Burger

A juicy beef burger. Between two RAMEN NOODLE buns. Deliciousness. Joy. Perfection. Love. Children Laughing. Puppies. Basically, all of the feels you feel while eating one. I’ve been dreaming of them ever since. That is all.

I’m blanking on the actual vendor where I bought a super cozy, retro LL Bean fleece for these chillier weekends, but believe me, there are some great pieces to add to your wardrobe at Brooklyn Flea.

I recommend bring along some cash, and bringing along some friends! You’ll have a wonderful day!

 

College Hacks!

While I was away from the blog this summer, a thoughtful blog reader sent a package to the Admissions Office addressed to me. I wasn’t able to pick up the package until a few weeks ago and I was very excited to see what was inside!

I was mostly surprised to hear that a package was addressed to…me! And that it was sent from a mysterious reader of the FIT Admissions Blog! The gift inside was a book called “College Hacks: Any procedures or actions that solve a problem, simplify a task, reduce frustration, and make college totally awesome” by Keith Bradford. What a perfect book! I’m in college, I love useful tips and tricks…it’s like this person knew me so well 😉

College Hacks by Keith Bradford

College Hacks by Keith Bradford

It was an extremely thoughtful gesture, and something I never expected to happen while being a blogger. I shared the book with my fellow bloggers and we hope to all pick up some new “hacks” from the wealth of information filled inside. If you are the person who sent this book, or happen to know who did, please comment below! I would love to give a personal thanks and put a name to this mysterious gifter 🙂 If you prefer to stay anonymous, please know that I love the book and will definitely be putting these tips to use!

Whether you’re in high school, entering college, or in college, many of these tricks could be applied to your life. I thought I would share a few of my favorite tips listed in the book. Remember, all “hacks” were thought up by author Keith Bradford. Enjoy!!

  1. Can’t afford Microsoft word? Get OpenOffice. It’s the same thing except it’s free and has a lot more features.
  2. Writing down your worries before taking an exam has been proven to actually boost your test scores.
  3. Late for class and need to tell your professor a believable lie? Include an embarrassing detail about yourself. Nobody will doubt a story that makes you look dumb.
  4. Study your notes within one day of taking them. Retention rates are 60% higher then.
  5. Dorm room a little stinky? Put dry tea bags around your room. They will absorb the unpleasant odor.

I could go on and on – this book is great! I hope these help! 🙂

Last First Day

Hello readers!!

It is so great to be back writing for the FIT Admissions Blog after a wonderful summer. What did I do you ask? Worked, worked, vacationed, and worked some more! And I enjoyed every second of it.

How was your summer? Did anyone make a trip to FIT? Take classes? Vacation somewhere cool?

Throughout the summer, at various family events, I would be asked, “So, you’re entering your senior year, huh?”

To which I smiled and reply, “Yeahhh, I can’t believe it’s finally here, but I’m ready.”

(But seriously, wasn’t it just yesterday that I was a freshman moving into Coed dorm?!?! Where does time go??)

There was no sarcasm, no lying behind a smile. I am ready for my senior year, and excited as ever. And I credit FIT for that. Each year as a returning student, you feel more and more prepared for what’s yet to come. What else FIT’s courses, professors and classmates have to offer you; what other adventures New York City has in store. You look back on the experiences and knowledge you’ve gained the year before and apply it to the road ahead.

Of course a small part of me is nervous of what’s to come 9 months from now, after I walk across the stage at graduation. But I choose to be excited rather than nervous. At this point, that’s all I can do. I’m not going to waste my energy fearing the “real world.” With the connections I’ve made while at FIT, I am confident I will be well equipped when entering the work force. For now, I will work hard, have fun, enjoy my senior year and the rest will fall into place.

So, as I walked back onto 27th street on my last first day of school, I was overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. I felt back at home. I know this block, I know this campus. I know which water fountain’s the coldest, which classroom has the best view. Which corner I like to sit in and read my book in between classes, which computer lab is usually busiest. I was back in my flow.

 

I was shocked at how many new faces there were, now that I’m the “big man on campus” aka a Senior. The freshman look so young! Did I look that nervous on my first day? (The answer is yes)

In the sea of fresh-faced freshman, I found my fellow senior friends. We hugged, laughed, caught up on each other’s lives. I could see the comfort and sense of “home” in their eyes that only comes with time at FIT. First days aren’t as scary when you know your way around, and you’ve got friends by your side. We’ve made it three years together at this school and we’ll make it through this last year. Nothing can stop us now!

Get ready for a great year readers and fellow students! Please comment any questions or requests on blog posts you’d like me to look into!

xx,

Brendan

 

Springtime in the City

The city is back to life! Trees are budding, flowers are being replanted, color is seeping back into the humans and surroundings of New York. People are smiling and laughing as they walk down the street, happy to finally unravel and de-bundle themselves from their winter jackets, hats and scarves. Dogs sniff their way down the street, able to enjoy their walk and not freeze their paws off! I think tears filled my eyes the other day as I walked down the street in a short sleeved shirt,  sans the jacket. What does all this mean….SPRING IS HERE!

Not only does the nice weather mean frequent visits to Central Park, the Highline, South Street Seaport and countless other sunny-day sites throughout the city but also a slew of festivals and events only spring in the big apple has to offer!

Below are a few that I will be trying out as we head to the end of the semester! If you happen to be visiting NY during this time check them out! As always, let me know what you think 🙂

1. Tribeca Film Festival, April 15-26

Who doesn’t love new movies? The Tribeca Film Festival is a world renowned festival that happens right in downtown Manhattan, as well as across the city. You can get matinee tickets for as little as $10 and tickets to guest talks for $35. The movies are ones not to be missed.

2. Cherry Blossom Season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, April 1-26

Instead of hopping on a jet to Japan, hop on the subway to Brooklyn and see the natural wonders of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Get your iPhone camera’s ready because its impossible to see these beauties and not snap some photos. The Cherry Blossom Trees are a sure sign of Spring, so you don’t want to miss it. Only $10!

3. NYC Hot Sauce Expo, April 25-26

I know everyone doesn’t have the love of hot-spicy foods that I do…but maybe you’ll think twice after attending this event. The third annual hot sauce expo will be taking place at The Brooklyn Expo in late April, showcasing 45 vendors! Come with an empty stomach and leave thoroughly pleased. From spicy pizzas, to spicy bloody-marys – your tongue will be on fire…in the best way possible 😉

4. Kentucky Derby, May 2

Chances are you don’t have tickets to the actual Kentucky Derby horse race…but I’m sure you have a fabulous hat somewhere in your closet that you’re dying to break out! This is your opportunity! Many bars and restaurants around the city will be involved in this classic southern event. Gather your friends, don your best derby hat, find a bar showing the race and transport yourself to Kentucky! I recommend finding a horse who’s name makes you laugh…then root for them!

5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Rooftop

I will definitely be heading to the Met Museum to check out the “Plains Indians: Artists of Earth and Sky” exhibit running through May 10th. There are countless exhibitions to view, enough to fill your afternoon with beauty, history and culture. Before you go, make your way to the Met rooftop. This is one of the best views of the city, overlooking all of Central Park. Bask in the sun, feel the breeze, and look to the sky line – breathe in the beauty and magic of this city!

 

xx,

Brendan