Tag Archives: volunteering

NYFW: Volunteering For Sies Marjan

Hello there!

As I’ve mentioned in my last post, like most FIT students I waited in line to get a chance to volunteer for NYFW. Thankfully I got a spot and it was for Sies Marjan, a designer I’ve never heard of, but I wasn’t going to let it dissuade me from going. This was a completely new volunteer experience for me, nothing like I’ve done previously. It was a rehearsal, so I wasn’t going on the actual show day, but a few day prior. Basically what they had me and 22 other volunteers do was pretend to be the model and walk the catwalk, so that they could time us, and see how long it would take on the actual day and see if all the models would have enough time to walk the finale. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but I really enjoyed pretending to be a model for a few hours. It felt really weird at first, because everyone was watching us and video taping, so I felt a little self-conscious, but after the 4th time walking it was better. We helped from 6pm to 8pm and walked about 6 times, but after each walk we had to run these stairs to get to the 2nd floor, so we could get back to the start, without interfering with the other girls walking. It was a good two hour workout! At the end they were really sweet and gave every volunteer a gift. The gift was a clothing item from the designer (not sure if it was from the actual collection). All in all I had a really great experience with them and never knew how much I would enjoy walking a catwalk.

xoxo

-Z

NJ → NY: New York Transplant Tips & Tricks

Hi everyone!

My name is Melinda and I am one of the newest additions to the Admissions Blog! I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful platform to share my experiences as an FIT student with you all.

As the title suggests, I am a New York transplant. What does this mean? I was born and raised outside of the metro area and found my way into the Big Apple. I grew up in Central New Jersey and moved to New York City to study Advertising and Marketing Communications, which is part of the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology at FIT. For starters, the transition from high school to college is not an easy one. Although the city is not foreign to me, since my parents are native New Yorkers, I learned very quickly that the transition from suburbia to an urban setting also requires getting used to. Here are my top 3 tips and tricks to ease your transition to New York City:

1. Learn Mass Transit: When I moved to Chelsea, I had a fear of the subway because I didn’t know how to use it; as a result, I walked EVERYWHERE. Although navigating on foot is doable, it is not the most efficient. Take advantage of the off-campus tours during New Student Orientation, like group trips to Times Square, Soho and the Brooklyn Bridge, to feel-out what it is like to travel like a New Yorker. Also, download transit apps like Moovit for subway/train/bus directions or utilize the MTA website for additional schedules and services. (The 1 is the 7th avenue local train, which you will use frequently!)

2. Plan and Prioritize: Making a personal schedule for classes, appointments, events etc. and to-do lists for homework assignments each week will save you stress and time wasted. Purchasing a planner prior to classes will also prevent procrastination and force you to stay organized (especially if it’s super cute!) My suggestion is to complete classwork the day of or day after class to check-off assignments from your list that are fresh in your head.

3. Get Involved: You are not alone; every new student at FIT is in the same boat. Meeting new people, adjusting to classes and balancing a social life with an academic life is heavy on everyone’s plate. Here are some options to further immerse yourself in the FIT community:

Clubs: There are 50+ clubs on campus that cater to student’s majors and personal interests. Plan to attend the club fair that will take place a couple of weeks into school. This is an easy way to meet new people with shared interests. You can even create your own club too!
Publications: WFIT (TV Broadcast/Radio), W27 (Newspaper) and Blush Magazine (Beauty and Fashion Magazine) all offer an insightful platform to share your voice with the FIT community regarding topics related to FIT, social issues, lifestyle etc.
The Student Volunteer Community Service (SVCS): This service, which is offered through the Department of Student Life, provides students with volunteer opportunities at Fashion Week, community events, etc. This is ideal to gain industry experience and to make a difference in your community.
Leadership: Build leadership skills at Leadership Weekend or attend the Leadership Workshop Series to learn how to effectively communicate as a leader. Also, participate in Impact Day by giving back to local organizations in NYC. This is a great way to represent FIT and to learn and grow as a leader on campus.

Learning how to use mass transit, prioritizing and getting involved on campus has made my experience at FIT an amazing one. I hope these tips help as you transition into New York City.

Let me know in the comments below what your thoughts are, as well as what you would like me to write about for my next post!

Always,

Melinda

Adopt Don’t Shop!

This past weekend I took a quick trip to Southern Connecticut to visit my older brother, Sean, and his girlfriend, Tammy! It’s always great seeing and spending time with my brother, and its super easy to get to Connecticut from NYC. The weather was picture perfect – a fresh, crisp fall day. I was too excited to be wearing a sweater 😉

Tammy, is a regular volunteer with an organization called Pet Rescue. I was always envious of the puppies and kittens she was able to spend time with, so I told her I would love to come be a part of one of the organizations event’s! Luckily, Pet Rescue was having a fundraiser that weekend!

Pet Rescue is an animal shelter who’s main mission is to aid homeless, abandoned and neglected cats and dogs, to nurture them in the foster care of volunteers, to provide veterinary care and socialization, and to place them in permanent loving and responsible homes.

All while my brother has been with Tammy, I’ve known her to have little special friends who are staying with her, whether it be a kitten with multiple sclerosis or a pit bull puppy looking for a home. Pet Rescue is not a formal shelter in this sense. It has a group of very loving volunteers who foster the animals for a time being until a home can be found for them. I so respect Tammy, and the other volunteers for fostering, because they provide a wonderful life for these pets and may have to give them up once a permanent home is found for them! It would be so hard for me to have to say goodbye, however, knowing they go to a new home is wonderful.

The fundraising event was so much fun! It was all outside, with live music, arts, crafts, food and drink! Multiple shelters had brought dogs of all breeds and ages that were looking for new homes. Many dogs found new homes that day, which is the major goal, and made me and many others very happy!

I kept calling it doggy heaven (for me) because I was surrounded by so many pups! I loved it 🙂 Here are a few pics of some of the dogs I met. Not the best quality because they were just as excited as I was, and wouldn’t stop moving haha

I cannot wait to have my own dog someday, and I’ve always wanted to rescue. But volunteering at this event made me realize even more how important it is to “ADOPT DON’T SHOP”, when looking for a new furry friend. There are so many abandoned dogs and cats across the US that need a home and are perfectly cute, loving, smart and healthy. It also sparked the need for me to volunteer for something I’m passionate about…and I think this may be it!

If you or anyone you know is looking to adopt, definitely look into Pet Rescue! Or if you’d like more information on volunteering! Follow their Instagram for new pets looking for homes.

Where do you volunteer? How does it make you feel? Let me know in the comments 🙂

Have a great week! – Brendan 🙂

Life in the Concrete Jungle: An Introduction

I know what you’re thinking… it’s New York City – I’ll never make it, I’ll go broke, I’m one in a million who have the same dream of being successful in the fashion industry… These thoughts running rapidly in your mind are holding you back… But let me tell you this –

The Empire State Building

To the prospective students across the world… if FIT is your dream school, go for it. Getting an education in the BEST city in the world is an experience that you cannot get anywhere else.

The Freedom Tower

My name is Mariano, I am an 18-year-old Puerto Rican boy, from a lower-middle class family in California; studying Advertising and Marketing Communications. FIT was just a dream to me and now it is a reality. Never underestimate yourself and the opportunities in front of you. If you are thinking about starting a new chapter of your life in New York City at FIT, find out more information on the application process here.

New York Fashion Week, one of many opportunities at FIT!

In the last month, I’ve learned and experienced so much that I will never forget. Hopefully, you will soon! Please reply with any questions about the application process, I don’t bite!

Until next time… xoxo – M

Notes From the 6 Train: Fitting in at Fashion Week

One of the most coveted volunteer weeks opportunities is rapidly approaching… Fashion week of course! As FIT students, we are lucky because our school has so many amazing connections that we have one of the most comprehensive volunteer programs related to fashion week. Even though this is true, there are still a few tips to increase the chances of being able to volunteer since there are a limited number of positions.

– About a week or two before fashion week, start monitoring you email/ school announcements so you know exactly when sign ups are.

– GET THERE EARLY! I know this goes without saying, but some people are there literally hours before sign ups even start & still aren’t able to find positions.

– Be proactive, start researching companies early & reach out. There are plenty of websites that post fashion opportunities. Stepping out on your may is always good because volunteering opportunities through FIT is not guaranteed.

– Don’t be upset if you don’t get chosen to help a famous designer, there is still plenty to learn from an up & coming designer. Since there aren’t so many people clamping to work with them, you may have a chance to connect with the whole team a little. Use it as your chance to shine! And who knows, you may get a job or internship offer as a result!

– If you have worked/ volunteered at fashion week in the past and enjoyed the experience, it’s imperative to keep those connections. Maintaining relationships is one of the most important skills to be successful in any job, especially in fashion, and super especially, especially during fashion week.

– Lastly, don’t feel obligated to participate in fashion week. If you’re not really interested – it is an opportunity you may want to experience, but not everyone is into high fashion and couture- that’s okay too. Always listen to your truth. Happy fashion week hunting!

All things Color, Love & Fashion,

Ayanna L.