Tag Archives: passion

Notes From the 6 Train: Work On Purpose

This past week was the end of my summer internship at the Laundromat Project! It was incredible internship and I’m so glad that I did it! I’ve made new friends, met people in my field and was added to the LP’s list serve. This is a huge deal because now I will access to a variety of different opportunities that I never would known about it before.

During our graduation lunch we received a number of gifts, one of which I want to share with you all! All of the interns were gifted with the book “Work On Purpose,” which is about “the stories of five social entrepreneurs and their journeys from struggle and uncertainty to significance and success.”

The reoccurring adage of the book is “Heart + Head = Hustle.”

These stories are important to hear because for many people the road to meaningful careers isn’t always a straight path. Hearing about the winding paths of several successful and fulfilled people is reassuring. In addition, the book is written in an easy to follow way. with stunning photos, and a variety of activities in the book to supplement the chapters.

I haven’t made my way through the entire book, but I foresee it as a tool that I will continue to draw on, especially with graduation right around the corner. I encourage you all to check it out!

All Things Color, Love & Fashion,
Ayanna Lane

Notes From the 6 Train: Classes Spring 15′

So I have to admit that I’m pretty exciting for my classes this semester. Actually, I’m always excited for my classes. I often feel apathetic before school starts and then I always get a bit amped. As an FIT student employee (a blogger, ambassador or blogger but not work-study unfortunately) we always get first priority registration! So, I am able to get the classes I want! Well, at least we get the time we want, when we register we usually don’t know who out professors are at the time of registration, which we all know is a major competent of classes, but I think I’ve wound up with some pretty good teachers. A few of the classes I towards in particular are my “Starting A Small Business” class and my “International Finance” Class.

Classes this semester will hopefully make my life like these guys in Breaking Bad

Let me preface this by saying that math is certainly not my strong suit BUT I have a good professor who is extremely knowledgable, Christine Pomeranz, the chair of the International Trade & Marketing department, who worked in the international banking for twenty years & handled five BILLION dollars in accounts. Honestly, I’m hoping to get my personal finances straight in this class and get some helpful stock tips.

I look forward to my Starting A Small Business class because I’ve considered starting a business before. My professor for this class has owned his own moderate-better coat manufacturing company for 30 years, so he has a plethora of experimental learning as well. He is all very passionate about his profession (and works from home, #lifegoals) During this class we create our own business. There are no tests or quizzes, because the tests in real life is whether or not your business succeeds. That, is the most important test of all.

What about you? What classes/ teachers/projects are you excited for?

All things Color, Love, & Fashion,
Ayanna L.

Notes From The 6 Train: Putting Your Passion into Practice

As the semester begins to draw to a close it’s a good time to reflect on the classes I’ve been taking this semester. Of the six classes I’ve been taking this semester there are three that I will highlight during the next few weeks.

The Art of Writing Poetry: This was my favorite class.I am a writer, so big surprise there. That was actually the exact reason that I choose this class. As a blogger and freelance writer, it’s easy for me to write for others and stop focusing on writing for myself. Writing is a healing mechanism for me. So I made a conscious effort to not let myself slide down the rabbit hole of not writing, and took a class that would encourage me to write. This class has provided me with writing assignments that have kept me engaged with the world around me, my experience and myself, throughout the entire semester. In addition to our homework, we had to record ten observations of out our surrounding world, statements that start with “I see,” or “I hear.”

My professor encourages us to chance takes with our words, cut out half the words in the poem and then rearrange the line order. Or she gives us two minute writing exercises. I appreciate being pushed to further develop my writing. Here are few examples of my observations:

(I hear) a train conductor swinging words like a baseball bat.Inflection up & down. The sixth, seventh, eight, last inning. Your stop.

(I feel) suspended in reality, hovering above hieroglyphics, moments.

(I see) six shades of myself. Bouncing off car mirrors, street corners & cement cracks, heading towards the same place.

Then she tells us to play with line breaks like this:

Six shades of
myself

Bouncing off car
mirrors, street

corners, golden
cracked, cement

towards the same
place.

And/Or remove half of the words

Shades of
myself

Bouncing off

golden
cracked
corners

The best part is that during our student/ teacher conference (yes, it is mandatory meeting) to go over your work and suggestions to grow as a writer. During my one on one I received helpful feedback and even talked to my professor, (who is a published write and continues to publish) about possible publishing. That’s why it’s so imperative to meet with you teachers that you connect with, they are a wealth of knowledge. So hopeful, I will be a published writer soon (wouldn’t that be exciting!)

I just want to point out that you don’t have to desert your passion(s) while in school. But it’s your responsibility to incorporate it your curriculum.

All things Color, Love, & Fashion,
Ayanna L.