Tag Archives: explore

UNfamiliar Places

Hello Tigers,

One thing I am most appreciative about during my experience attending FIT is the new places I have been exposed to. Being from Long Island, I’ve been to Manhattan plenty of times before college. However, FIT has introduced me to so many new places that I never thought I would visit, let alone that were located right in New York City.

Recently, I have visited a few new places because of the honors course I am taking this semester: HA 394-History of New York Architecture. Along with learning about the history of New York’s development, the professor takes the class out on walking tours around the city to see some of the historical sites that we have learned about. One place we visited was the Alexander Hamilton Custom House, which houses the National Museum of the American Indian. Ironically, I had previously visited this building because of the honors course I took last semester: HA 395-Studies In American Indian Art and Culture. This museum is located right at Bowling Green and is free admission to the public. While my New York Architecture class taught me about the history of the building, the American Indian Art class taught me about the different artifacts and works located in the museum.

Another place I was introduced to from my  NY Architecture course is the Morgan Library & Museum. This museum is located right in midtown on 36th and Madison. Inside is the study and library of J.P. Morgan; the library has three story shelving that looks like something right out of a Disney movie! Inside there are some exhibitions, including letters to and from Alexander Hamilton and part of Morgan’s collection. Without this class I would have never stepped outside of my “Big Apple” comfort zone and explored new places I never knew existed!

What are some places you have been to off your “beaten path?”
Until next time,
Annmarie x

Saying Goodbye

SUMMER BREAK IS HERE! I am officially back in California, ready to enjoy the heat on my skin and sand in between my toes. Saying goodbye to school: long hours of studying, stressful assignments, and tedious projects; wasn’t so bad to do. However, saying goodbye to New York City, the heart of the Fashion Institute of Technology was excruciating. Going to school in New York City has made me a stronger person, but most importantly brought me to a realization of my past, present, and future.

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This is a view from my dorm room window, one the best views, 17H1… infant optometrists say that when we are born our vision lacks detail and light. Coming to New York City this view with the spots of light was what I saw – I was an infant in a grown-up world dreaming endlessly without plan, and afraid to take action.

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Then there is light… we can see through the darkness, however it still remains. There were times in school, were I thought I wasn’t good enough to keep up with my dreams, but I began to fight (not literally) for what I knew I was destined for, an education in the best city in the world. No one can take your dreams away from you but yourself.

FullSizeRender (2)We come to a point were we have full vision. Darkness, light, and color. We can get through the rough times because we know what come after the storm. Living in New York City taught me that as an adult, yeah, their are going to be occasions when you question WHY ME!? , but you need to be able to get up and realize that you can do anything you set yourself to.

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As I say goodbye to that beautiful view, I know that whatever I see in the future I can find color and light in. As I say goodbye for the summer, I would like to thank all of you for reading the blog! This year has been so amazing, and I know it only will get more exciting from here.

Have an amazing break everyone!

xxxo — Mariano

Notes From the 6 Train: Alternative options for Spring Break

Spring break could not come fast enough! The momentary Break from classes, and this cold winter/ rainy spring weather, is more than welcomed. This is the first spring break that I will not be going home. Where am I going you may ask? Panama City? Miami? No, no, I am going somewhere event more exotic…
Canada! Toronto to be exact. Now, I know what you are thinking. Won’t Canada still be cold? Hmh, possibly, of course it won’t be Nearly as warm as Miami or Panama City, but is another country ( I try and leave the country at least once a year), and with airfare as low as $85 one way, it’s a much more student budget friendly.

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Even before I had been invited to Toronto, I had planned anther alternative spring break trip. I was going to couchsurf the east coast. I find that so many New Yorkers get stuck in New York. The east coast has so many cool cities, and with most them being a few hours away by bus, and not that expensive to get to, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be explored. I was going to do this via the website couchsurfing.org, a free travel website/community created for adventurers. I used this website while I was in South Korea and wanted to visit the capital city of Seoul. It’s almost like a dating website, but for houseguests. You must create a personal profile that is viewable for others. Find people in the new city/ country you plan on visiting, check out their references, request to spend a night or two then, the viola! You’re an official couchsurfer. If this makes you nervous, you can go to couchsurfing events held in your city to meet other people who’ve done it and see what it’s like. It’s a great way to meet new people, get a chance to truly experience the culture of the city and stay somewhere for free. (When I did this, I met people from all over the world and now have places to stay in South Africa, Korea and even made a friend who now lives in NY!) The link is posted below.

tumblr_mnyyqt8lK21s7xb93o1_1280 ( My couchsurfing friends & I at Pride in Seoul.)

Now, if you aren’t quick the risk-taker as this, which I completely get, there are other ways to explore. Upstate New York has a million different things to check out, many of which are perfect spots for day trips. Or you can take a day trip to a nearby city like Philadelphia or DC, if you still want to actually leave NY. Just don’t stay in your room all day on Tumblr!

My plan is to return to campus with new experiences, new friends and not be completely broke. That sounds like a good spring break to me, I hope yours is too.

All things Color, Love & Fashion,

Ayanna L.

https://www.couchsurfing.org/n/how-it-works