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| As I had mentioned previously, I was rather reluctant to return to the school life of FIT. While the last 3 weeks have been filled with ups and downs, as it does with everyone's lives, I am now back, immersed into the slew of things.
It really does feel good to be back - back to the friends I made here, and the environment. It just feels so good.
My Mondays are my favorite. No sarcasm! It's ironic, I know, haha they were my worst last semester. It begins with Nature Studies, a textiles course where we draw flowers or other plants for 3 hours. I've missed doing things like that, and it's just a relaxing way to go. The professor is a nice old man who reminds me of Santa Claus. Sometimes he trembles when he talks and is ever so passionate about flowers, or just vegetation in general. It's really cute.
HANDBAGS, I love everything about it. I must say, the professor is the sweetest little man ever. He's like 80 years old, ESCAPED HITLER, and helped to start the accessories design program. We're currently making box bags, and he said my designs and way of working were lovely. This class has made my passion for handbags even stronger. I'm so excited for my bag, I even bought a snake skin embossed leather. I never thought I would go for a pattern! AHH CANT WAIT.
Tuesday...errr I start with Photoshop for Photographers. My professor used to be a paparazzo! She has amazing pictures of Julia Roberts and other stars. Definitely magazine material! I feel like she sounds like those narrators in the instructional videos, and it can get kind of zzzz sometimes but probably because we're in the dark...nice macs though!
Then oh dear. Ecology and Environmental Problems. I feel like I'm going to major in THAT this semester. hahah just kidding. What is with these hardcore liberal arts? I'm glad though, they're always rewarding. But for this class we have to have panel discussions, etc. I swear, it's like one of Joe Kyle's APUSH classes. welcome back. The professor is a cynical man though, it's rather funny. He's really passionate about wildlife, and he has no shame talking about whale penises or the genitalia of other animals. There are really uncomfortable chairs in that class.
Wednesdays are like last semester, just my five hour footwear class. mmmm....(haha see last 2 entries) The professor is awfully nice, and pretty! haha she definitely works in the industry...production manager of many companies. I like her, she explains what and why we're doing things, and it's a revelation to us Block 1ers, because we're actually using the traditional ways of making shoes with nails, or using newer high tech materials like bontex and plastics for the counters instead of ridiculous horse belly, etc. We're currently working on a pump, and then we'll be making an oxford!
Thursday I only have Modern Dance. It's good to be back in the studio with large space and a wall of mirrors. THe first week was amazing, the second week eh, and this last week was pretty fine too. I've always had my background in Asian Cultural, but this will definitely be a breakthrough. I'm excited for everything I gain from this class.
FRIDAYS. It's fascinating. Psychopathology and Modern Life, the study of how mental diseases come about along with other things of everyday life. The professor, OH is oh so charming, hahaha. And everything we talk about is just so interesting. A great way to end off the week!
The semester is starting off well I think, socially as well. I think its extremely heartwarming with my suite too, we've celebrated two birthdays so far, which allowed all four of us to finally sit at the kitchen table together, and we would just spend hours talking and sharing stories, laughing, etc. It's really great. :]
Okay, enough about that. Yay for Love-Celebrating and the new year!
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| a friend reminded me of a fact that i had forgotten amidst my sulking:
900 people applied to the accessories design program at FIT, and i'm 1 of the 50 who got in.
That totally helped a lot, hahaha. Sure, I started thinking that maybe it was a mistake, but there must've been a difference between me and the other 850 people. I do know the presentation of my portfolio was kick ass, but what about the content? Well enough worrying about that, I'm just going to fight through it, and hopefully prove myself wrong.
I'm regaining the excitement of learning how to do everything, box bags and a new method of making pumps. Who else knows how to make bags and shoes!? It'll be fun. yeah.
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| im a big fan of positive thinking and that everything happens for a reason, but i just have to get these feelings out and off my chest.
my roommate and i had some bonding time yesterday, just talking about our feelings in general about life right now. we both seem to be pretty down in the dumps about school, a bit uninspired, and not as excited as last semester? i know that with both of us feeling like this, the room is probably warped in a ball of negativity, which won't help the situation.
i know i've been a little discouraged after err my B+ in footwear, which i'm super embarrassed to say. sure sure it's college, a lot of people have told me that, but i sincerely think i did the worst in my class. a lot of people had way more creative shoes than i had...but i have to say, what i may consider creative, may not be what i consider tasteful. enough about that though, that non-A remained in the back of my mind ever since i saw it, and it still resides there today.
with new classes, we have a few new people in our block. at our first class ever together, nature studies (a textiles course where we draw still lifes and flowers), our professor went around the room asking us to state our name and why we're here, what we plan on doing in the future, etc. so many people said they plan on having their own line of accessories one day, or something along those lines. me? yeah i've thought about it before, but i've also had my doubts. right now, i'm just trying to continue doing something i love, but i really have no idea where it's going to take me. i'm doubting my abilities...i don't know if i'll be able to do it. i'm scared.
but you know, i'll trek through it. i mean there was a reason i got into this school...though now i'm thinking it's because of my pretty immaculate presentation of my portfolio, not the content. enough bringing myself down (though it seems pretty difficult with this weather) i'll try to look on the bright side.
it's funny that my roommate and i are feeling the same way though. but whatever, we'll see what life brings. i hope i get out of this rut soon. in a short 4 months, which i'm sure will pass by very quickly, i'll have completed my first year of college. what a milestone! ha.
mmmmmm. | | |
| it only hits me sometimes that i'm already in college, and it's difficult for me to realize that i've already completed my first semester.
In the last entry, I was expressing my outlook on my classes, and i suppose the first impressions that came with them. Now, after about 4 months, I feel like I've gained so much experience with just life in general. Other than what I went to FIT for, I think I've definitely become more independent, especially with this city. I've grown to love it and embrace it with all that it has to offer, catcalls and fabulosity. I wonder how much I've changed?
One surprising thing is that I've found true friendship at FIT as well. Coming out of high school, I decided to change my views on the 'friendships' I had. A lot of them weren't mutual, and I cared a whole lot about that. I wondered why someone wouldn't treat me with the same love and attention as I did for them, but with my transition of becoming a part of the collegiate community, I decided to drop the sadness and go with the "Fuck Them" attitude. :] No worries, I'll still be nice, just less dedicated. Anyway, I really did gain some great friends, and their care really surprised me at first. Nonetheless, as much as the city will continue to change us, I have no doubt that they'll still be people I look to for friendship and support.
What I came to FIT for:
Leather Materials & Technology, I still dreaded going. The attitude of the professor didn't help most of the time, but I think my classmates and I have concluded that she missed something in her social life, where she doesn't realize that she's very condescending. "I don't understand why she's still with him! He's SO boring," she commented, on her roommate's boyfriend when she spent Thanksgiving with them. "I know you're all just a lot younger, but I have to say, my other class did a whole lot better than you guys." "Whenever I'm stressed, I like to look at this website that tells about the world's destruction. It always makes me feel better to know someone else is having a worse day"
That's okay though, I don't dislike her. It's kind of amusing sometimes. After one of my classmates had voiced that there was tension between her and us, I felt like she was going to just start crying. As awkwardness filled the room, we all looked away and she went on with the exotics lecture. The next class, I felt like she was sincerely trying to be nicer.
Regardless, I feel like I did learn a lot about everything the class was about. I can identify what leathers are from what animals with what kind of finish. I know how they're tanned and what kind of accessories they’re best used for. I’ve also gained insight on fabrics and plastics.
Creative Non-Fiction? I felt like I majored in that, and minored in Accessories Design. No one in my class would disagree. I have to say though, now that’s over, I’m kind of glad I took the class. C’mon, literary journalism? Haha, no really though, it’s really cool. We even met the father of Creative Non-Fiction, Lee Gutkind. Our professor was a doll too. She’s super cooky and funny, and definitely very compassionate. She was a great professor too, the assignments she gave us really led me to gain a lot of information. I don’t know what else to say…I’m really glad it was split into two days?
I dreaded going to 3D art and design. I eventually dubbed it ‘the work of shame’ class. Really, I felt embarrassed carrying my 3d pieces down the Fine Arts hallway and feeling all those fine art students wonder how I got accepted into FIT. Hahaha. Besides, our professor claimed at the beginning of the school year that she didn’t believe in giving out A’s. BOOOO. Who doesn’t get an A in art!?!? So nothing really related to Accessories design, and I didn’t feel like I got any more creative than I already was. I did end the semester with an A- though! :] (and spent a lot of money on foam core, paper, and glue).
Handbag design and construction. My ultimate favorite class, with the spunkiest teacher and a boldy outspoken TA, both who I loved. This was probably the class that stressed me out the most, but also the class that I was the most comfortable with. My designs were appreciated, I was able to control the industrial sewing machines pretty quickly, and I looked forward to every cone of these classes. It was my first time using leather, and the results were very rewarding. It’ll probably be the class I spend the most money on too. I can’t wait to continue on with more handbag construction, adding more hardware and welting to everything. My goal is to have people recognize my style, and to be able to pick out my bag within the crowd.
Footwear! This was a pretty enjoyable class too, the professor and tech were quite the characters. I’ve never made shoes before, and now I can say that I have the knowledge to make a mule and a pump. I’m not as fond of footwear design as I am handbags, right now, but this can change. It’s unfortunate that the shoes we make right now aren’t wearable…I mean, self-made soles aren’t too reliable, and we basically put them together with glue and staples. No lie. Sure the staples aren’t in there now, and there are a few nails put in there, but glue. Really? Hahah. I think we may be learning how to make a Chelsea boot next semester, it’s very exciting! :]
Um, there’s really nothing I can say about Art History. Same opinion, interesting content, not quite as interesting presentation-teaching style. Our teacher is genuinely nice though, it’s really funny when her voice begins to quiver into a “baa” when she gets exciting. For example, when we were talking about Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, which depicts nude figures engaging in sinful conduct, she described the painting with many many baa’s. “As you see, they’re doing b-aa-aa-d things.” I have concluded though, that my favorite era may be the Baroque period, love the contrast! But I’ve also taken a liking to Flemish painting! And the very attractive boy in the class. Hahaha. I hope to visit the Cloisters one day to see Campin’s work in person (Merode Alterpiece).
Oh Anatomy. My professor eventually got through things so efficiently that she had us come in an hour later. What a perfect way to start of Friday! Easy content, and three grades to make up the entire semester. I’m hoping that I aced the last two just like the first one so I can get that A :] I loved the professor, she was really straight forward and nice to converse with. I think our class was generally in a better mood too, so jokes were made, etc. etc.
Fundamentals of 2D. A pleasant class to go to :] The professor was super cool and super funny, in a non purposeful way. I loved her feedback and criticism, and it brought me back to the days of Painting. I’m really glad it got me back into it, and I hope that I’ll be able to paint more in the future. She brought us to some art galleries in Chelsea, and I absolutely loved doing that. It was great to see all the work of other artists, and the area was just very…cool.
What came with attending FIT:
Living in the city: at first glance, my dorm room was something I definitely didn’t….desire. I currently live in a suite style apartment dorm with 3 other girls. It’s split into 2 rooms, 2 people each, and our own private bathroom and kitchenette. Thank goodness though, I don’t think I could’ve survived a communal bathroom. The limited space came with living in NYC, and the age of the building left rust marks and dirty spots in the corners. It’s strange to think about how one becomes comfortable with the surroundings though, not looking at the negatives anymore and just calling it home.
In the beginning, when I found out that I would be living with a girl coming straight from Korea, I was afraid of the “FOB tendencies” that my Korean friends had warned me about. Being too clingy, having weird habits, etc. Turns out though, we’re perfect living mates. It’s so amazing, and she’s become one of my really great friends. Our room was rather cluttered and messy…all the time, but we’ll just blame it on being design students. The other 2 suitemates are sweet girls too. I’m really happy with how our living arrangements worked out, but of course there is tension and annoyances at times. I wont get into the details, but I think our separate rooms just have different living styles and customs, and our divide of design vs business segregates us sometimes. For example, Soo A and I are always working on our school stuff while they’re typically watching tv or playing UNO online with their boyfriend. :]
There’s no doubt why this city was dubbed ‘the city that never sleeps.’ It took some getting used to but eventually I would doze off regardless of the sirens going off every 15 min, or the construction going on somewhere, or the horn of the trains. I lived on the 17th floor, but I could still here people talking or yelling from the street below. I guess that would make coming home to the quiet so much better though.
Something totally unexpected:
After consulting other college friends in New York, I came to FIT not expecting to find true friends. I’ve been proven wrong.
Originally, I was thinking that coming to a design school focused on fashion would produce many pretentious and condescending people, not caring about you or acknowledging you. Sure, you’ll find those types, but it’s only the first impression, and you’ll get used to it. I, however, have found some great friends who I know have my best interests at heart. Despite the short time that we’ve spent with each other, they’ve already proved to be better friends than most of the ones I’ve known for years since high school or middle school.
My first friend that I first met through Facebook (oh dear, haha) eventually became the person I sought when I had nothing to do (when there was time), has been a great friend through and through. As the semester went on, we began to see less of each other especially with our schedules. He was a photography major, and I, accessories. We would always find time every other Tuesday to have a short dinner and catch up though. We’ve been through awkward times, crazy adventures, and aww-ed times. On the Thursday before I left, he called me up to ask if I had thread he could borrow. When he made the trip from his dorm all the way to the 17th floor of mine, he surprised me with an early birthday present, totally unexpected. In his card he wrote the sweetest thing ever, definitely a tear-jerker! That’s when I confirmed that I was wrong in the beginning, and that I could truly find friendship at FIT.
The next group of people have defined what camaraderie really is. The people I spent time with DAILY, accessories design, 2 year, semester 1, block 1; A cluster of different characters that surprisingly mesh together well. The first couple of classes in footwear, we’d hear the song “Lean On Me,” and that became ours. Next on our soundtrack? “I swear.” We’ve spent hours together from the early morning to 2 AM at night. First time on the post machine? 5 of us sewing one bag together…hahah.
I wouldn’t want it any other way, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been put together with this group of people. (I hear the other blocks are nothing like ours, very impersonal and quiet. Figures. Good luck to the new people who are coming to join us next semester..haha just kidding. …)
I’ve also found some great friends through…haha (how nerdy of me!) the smartest group at FIT, the Presidential Scholars Program. We saw Harry Potter naked, woke up at 5 AM to get the $20 tickets for that, and rushed for the food stands to munch. Through not-so-thought-provoking and texting filled classes, I’ve learned about these people and want to know more. It’s fantastic.
Overall, I’m just super grateful and happy with how things turned out. Sure, you have the lack of straight boys and sometimes social life with being an art & design major at FIT, but I’m truly happy there. And well, that’s that! :D
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| it's amazing that its been three weeks since college has started.
i've gotten used to my schedule, my morning classes, the packed beginning of the week, etc. and the work load is piling on. i have to say though, i love everything, love FIT, love the city. sure there are some things that are a little ehhh, here and there, but they're easy to move past.
my monday schedule starts off with leather materials technology. my professor is really cooky..she's into those japanese tv shows that feature crazy stunts and competitions, and she lived in the city and a farm with a retarded horse. the class is pretty interesting though, we're learning about all different kinds of leathers and their characteristics, and we even went to visit Abea Leather Group, where we got to talk with the owner and learn even more about the business. By the time..i uh study my notes and remember them, i'll be able to tell what kind of leather is what! :D
After an hour break, I venture to Creative Non Fiction. It's an ok class, it's like apush but english style. i have to admit, im a bit intimidated by this class, and so far, i'm getting the most work from it. I have it two days a week, 2 hours on Monday and 1 hour on Tuesday, always filled with 3ish readings and essays. We're also told to do 3 informal writing practices a week for at least 10 minutes. I have to say, i'm kind of slacking in that area. There's a lot of discussion in that class, and that's nice too. I just have to keep my work ethics and focus grounded.
next is fundamentals of art..3D. what i thought would be a class i wouldn't look forward to, i'm actually quite enjoying. it's really relaxing to just work on projects and to create beautiful things without pressure :] so far, we've done a white paper relief project, and it's totally cool.
Tuesdays are my favorite. I have handbags design and construction 1. right now we're working on a flat bottom tote, and we've been making patterns for the past 2 weeks. it's so exciting. this is my favorite class. i only have that hour of english between this 5 hour class. im so excited to create my baggg with a recessed zipper and everything. i have it all planned out, but it'll be a secret until i'm complete with it. how crazy is it. creating a bag with leather. my own. i'm so excited. (im sorry, i must've said that already)
wednesdays i have footwear. it's kind of hard work and the professor seems to expect so much out of us when we dont know anything. i'm not as excited about this class as handbags right now because we're making a closed toe mule..and who wears those nowadays? :p nah, my design is just...not as exciting to me. but we went to buy leather the other day, kid skin for the lining, pig skin for the top line! i'm keeping my design simple with a delicate kick.
Thursday would've been my free day, but i put in my History of Western Art & Civilization class there. Content is interesting to me, but the way the professor teaches with the computer and projector with the lights off is killer. i have a quiz this week, oh dear, and i'm seeing Fuerzabruta the night before. better start studying now! (i must get my work ethics right now!)
friday is a good end to the week. i first have anatomy which tells us accessories designers how to fit the shoe and bag correctly along with foot diseases and shoe parts. it's a pretty chill class, and our professor's cool. she is extremely against the whole concept of cute shoes for pain. oh well :p she does stare at our feet during lectures though.
then, i have 2d fundamentals of art. it's a great class. everyone's really chill in there, and our professor loves the beatles. she's always so funny, in the dry humor kind of way. i got my first A in there already for my last project :D i was struggling through our figure ground reversal during hte first 2 hours of this past class, but then it came to me once people started leaving and the professor started blasting her beatles tunes.
i forget which, but i remember that one professor told us that our block helps us with time management. i definitely have to get on that! ooh next week i'm going ot have to figure out how to food on tuesday. 9-12 handbags. 12 - 1 english. 1-2 sewing lab. 2-4 back to handbags. what to do what to do! hitting up the cafeteria for their breakfast and then stocking up on snacks :p
i hope everyone's having a wonderful time with their own education! :D | | |
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