Introducing Precollege Intern: Mahalia

Photo by Romy Weng

Hi! My name is Mahalia, I’m a photographer in the making, and I am an intern here at FIT’s Precollege Program. My passion for art, more specifically photography, was what brought me to FIT. I enjoy exploring different learning methods of art in different environments, and FIT is an incredible place for me to approach photography with a mindset on social components.

Out of all the different kinds of pictures I enjoy taking, landscapes, fashion, sports, etc. I adore taking portraitures. What caught my eye, was something about how humans react when they are on camera. People say you cannot judge a book by its cover, but I believe that a picture is worth a thousand words and more.

My goal in life is to become a professional photographer and be my own boss, which will require that I work extremely hard to reach that goal. In 2016 and 2017 I took classes at International Center of Photography (ICP) which taught me mostly about manual photography. However, right now I am focused more on the depth of digital photography and photoshop. Because not that many people know me, I also am learning how to network. Whenever I take pictures I am really fond of, I post them on an official photography Instagram account (@photo_moro) in order to make myself more known to the public.

Because I am a senior in high school, I deal with plenty of work and deadlines which builds stress for me. Coming from an artistic family, I find not only photography but art in general a stress reliever and much more. To me, art is something extremely fun and wonderful. Art makes the person I am today.

Mahalia :-)

Learn From The Best (So You’re Not Like The Rest)

alivia-cooney Happy December, dolls!

With college applications due right around the corner, this past Sunday found many class discussions centered around the future. Even more so than the immediate future, many of my classmates were concerned about the longterm future, particularly that which would ensue following their potential acceptance into FIT for college.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: the average FIT student is ambitious. They respect and value their creativity, but understand the need to have a solid career grounded in reality. Thus, my classmates had some insightful questions for our professor. Such intelligent questions included “How do I become a buyer?”, “Does FIT have good connections for internships?”, and “What’s the best major to enter if I wanted to start my own business?”

Luckily for me, I have an aunt who graduated from FIT to ask these kinds of questions to, and to rely on for advice on entering these related industries.

This week I decided to interview my aunt, Antonette Bivona. She graduated from FIT in 1991 with BS in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing, after first getting her Associate’s Degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising, also at FIT. Today, she holds the prestigious title of Director of Global Marketing for Revlon Cosmetics Products Corporation.

(image reposted from global-customer.com)

(image reposted from global-customer.com)

I wanted to ask her a few questions to find out more about her FIT experience for both my knowledge, and the knowledge of my readers, fellow Precollege students, and FIT hopefuls.

Me: What originally made you interested in FIT?

A: I’ve always been interested in fashion and beauty, and FIT is the premier school for the industry. In fact, the [Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing] program I was in was really unique because it was the first one of its kind. When I graduated, it had only been around for two years.

Me: How did FIT help you get to where you are today in your career?

A: FIT helped me get an internship at Revlon, and I was lucky enough to be offered a position there once I graduated. I’m still here today, after 25 years, largely thanks to FIT’s well-rounded education of the industry.

Me: What skills did you learn at FIT that have contributed to your success in the workplace?

A: Hard work, diligence, creativity, professionalism. FIT was excellent with giving us real world experience, bringing us straight into the industry. For example, they would take us to spend the day at different cosmetics companies’ headquarters. They’re great with nurturing their students to seamlessly make their way into the industry straight out of college. They ensure we build lasting connections through different internships.

Me: What were some of the challenges you faced along the way?

A: Due to the economic recession of the times, the fear of not getting a job was very real. The workload was intense, and the expectations were high. In my last year specifically, I had an internship, school, and a job. Nonetheless, it was a great experience.

(image reposted fromhttps://www.fitnyc.edu/business-and-technology/deans-forum/past.php)

There you have it, FIT friends! Next time you draw some designs for your Precollege portfolio, draw inspiration from happily successful FIT alumni like my aunt, and even more well-known fashion figures like Calvin Klein and Michael Kors! Hard work and dedication, along with the tools and skills learned from such a great school as FIT, always make the experience well worth it!

– Alivia

Congratulations Danielle!

CONGRATULATIONS TO danielle covington WHO WAS JUST ACCEPTED TO FIT THIS FALL FOR ILLUSTRATION!

Student: Danielle Covington
Major: Illustration

Courses taken in Precollege Programs include:
 Precollege High School Intern

Were you accepted to FIT this fall too? We’d love to feature you on the blog as well!
Email: [email protected] for more information

 

In The Halls: Danie

Student: Danie (18) Bronx, NY
Program: Precollege Intern
Job Title: Social Media Assistant

Describe your personal style?
 I’d like to think I dress like something fuzzy that has a super awesome personality.

Where do you go on your breaks from work?
Dollar Pizza, Taco Bell, or Trader Joes.

What is your favorite thing about interning at FIT?
The opportunity to meet so many of the great professors and students here. It gives you a different perspective on the school itself. My job consists of photographing classes, and updating websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I love having the opportunity to intern here while still in high school.

Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by all forms of art. I try to see the beauty in the little things that most don’t notice.

What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
Be employed! More specifically become an art teacher or possibly even go into toy design.

 

-Meghan

Until Next Time…

I’m not really good with goodbyes, so I guess this is a “I’ll talk to you later…”

My experience at FIT this semester has been more than phenomenal. I found my utopia here. I have learned so much about myself and my abilities by interning in the Precollege Office. I’ve learned that doubting yourself is the worst poison and confidence is beautiful. I now know more about Adobe Photoshop and digital cameras than I would have ever expected in my lifetime. I feel that by working closely with such amazing managers, I have too developed the trait of amazing. When I first spoke to the Director of the Precollege Program (Michele Nagel) I knew that I was going to contribute to FIT, but I never knew that in return I was going to gain so much. I have met the most talented people in my generation, built on my existing communication skills and have learned how to feel comfortable thinking outside the box.

I will definitely miss working in the welcoming environment of FIT’s Precollege office. The amount of care and oepn arms in the office made it more than easy for me to be myself and have a good time. A normal teenager would dreaded waking up Saturday mornings to go to work, but for me it wasn’t “work,” it was my therapy. I will miss meeting new people and the overall environment at FIT, but hopefully in the future I will be here studying fashion merchandising. But before that hopefully I will be here blogging for all of you again real soon!

My advice for high school students is to get involved in FIT; it really is an amazing experience.  The Precollege classes have amazing people. I’ve had the pleasure to meet so many new friends there and amazing professors. Everyone in the Precollege office is extremely nice and you’ll love ever moment here! So don’t hesitate apply for the Precollege classes or internships – do anything that will get you involved!

I always hated goodbyes because always seem so bitter, but I could consider this one to be sweet. Until next time…