Tag Archives: senior

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

A Life Update:

Hello all! It has unfortunately been SO long (5 months, but who’s counting?) since I have blogged. I apologize for the lack of updates, it was one heck of a summer dealing with a family death that had me leave New York City before finals last semester, on top trying to get prepared for this year…my Senior year. Literally feels like yesterday I was writing my first blog and getting accustomed to new surroundings, classes, and activities. Over the last 5 months, I’ve felt and experienced a lot of different emotions. As everything is changing all around me again, as I move onto the next chapter of my professional life, things can get tough, and sometimes it’s okay to breakdown, the most important thing is – getting back up.

Mental health is just as important as psychical health. According to the APA, “anxiety is the top presenting concern among college students (41.6 percent), followed by depression (36.4 percent) and relationship problems (35.8 percent).” No one should cope with anxiety and/or depression alone. Trained and licensed mental health professionals can provide support in helping you to find relief from your symptoms, also right here at The Fashion Institute of Technology.

FIT’s Counseling Center is free to all full-time, registered, degree-seeking students and are private and confidential. Faculty, staff, parents and student groups are also invited to use the Counseling Center’s consultation services and educational resources. The Counseling Center staff are licensed social workers, psychologists, and consulting psychiatrists that provide short-term counseling and professional referrals for students. All clinicians have advanced degrees, training and experience, and participate in ongoing professional development and clinical supervision. To find out more information, or see some questions answered, check out the Counseling Center’s “what to expect” here. It’s great that all students here have the powerful resource of the Counseling Center. Working on improving your mental health is very important, even if you think you’re doing fine.

On another note, I look forward to sharing all of the great experiences to come this year! I will be posting every Friday, so be sure to peep in at the blog as some really great events and even application season for prospective student approaches! Thank you all for reading, and always feel free to comment any suggestions, questions, or just opinions!

Mariano

Senior Highlight: Mariely Payano

Mariely Payano is a graduating Fashion Business Management student that is currently interning at Adidas, and has previously interned for Rebecca Taylor and Bloomingdale’s. Coming from Brooklyn, she grew up heavily influenced by her surroundings. In the 6th grade, she became fascinated with fashion by industry maven Lauren Conrad on the hit reality show “The Hills.” Mariely was happy to know that that you could really pursue a career in fashion, and ultimately let her to FIT.

Why did you chose to come to FIT?

“I felt like the Fashion Institute of Technology has a really good sense of opportunity. If I wanted a career in fashion, I knew that this school would allow me to work in city, which I really wanted to do. I didn’t care for a “real college experience.” I knew FIT was going to prepare me for the future.”

How did FIT prepare you?

“The school really has a lot of connections, and you need to be willing to get out there and find the right people in order to achieve. FIT gave me a better understanding of how the industry really works, and not just the glitz and glam you see in TV.”

Do you feel you are ready for the fashion industry?

“I honestly think I am. FIT has a good emphasis on the business world, excluding fashion. I feel that I can apply these skills in everyday situations in my field. You need to have a general understanding of business… FIT is fashion focused, however it’s business savvy.”

Dorming vs. Off-Campus?

“Dorming is an obvious convenience, but commuting is also cool too. It really gives you a sense of independence, annoying, but definitely manageable with good time management and scheduling!”

How was the internship process, and how are you enjoying your internship?

“When you are sending out applications during the internship process make sure to put yourself out there as much as you can. Interning at Adidas, I really enjoy the environment. I also really love shoes now (I’m usually all about heels), but it is very interesting and I’ve learned a lot!”

Favorite year at FIT?

“I really enjoyed Freshman year, it opened a lot of opportunities and friendships that I still have throughout my whole academic career.”

How has FIT changed you?

“I feel like I am more determined now. There is a good amount of healthy competition here so I think that it motivated me to always do my best. FIT also gave me a really good sense of the industry, and an idea for the future.”

Any regrets?

“It would have not hurt to do more internships; since it gave me a sense of what I what I like and don’t like. I’m still happy with myself and the things I stayed focused on.”

After graduation?

“I’m starting to look for a fitting career. I have a really open outlook on the opportunities that may arise. I’m kinda just going with the flow with the knowledge and skills I have learned at FIT.”

Words of Advice

“Don’t rush, even though you might want to, it goes by faster than you think! Take initiative, you never know what can happen in the long run, and who is watching. Try to be as well-rounded as possible, be involved in the school. Make the best out of your time – be present.”

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