The fashion-merchandising program at Genesee Community College has had a lasting effect on changing who I am for the better. It has helped me to develop an understanding of the business of fashion, and has showed me that there isn’t just one clear path to enter the field of fashion you want to join.

Before starting this program I was a shy, quiet student that didn’t want to share or say anything in front of others. I only had a small understanding of what it really meant to be a fashion merchandising major. Since then, things have changed. I have developed many skills with the help of all the teaching staff at Genesee community college. Professor Dudkowski and Professor Ehrhart especially assisted in my growth through teaching the “tricks of the trade” and the real-world applications of retail. One thing I’ll never forget about my time spent studying at GCC is all of Professor Dudkowski’s sayings; I may have laughed at what he was saying, but he says them because they work. Professor Dudkowksi and Professor Ehrhart are great professors that have helped me have a larger understanding of what it will be like to work in retail and helped put me on a successful career path. People may doubt this program’s success because of its rural location, but this small school makes sure you have all the information you may need if you plan to transfer on, and the teachers want you to succeed.

Through these two years I have gained a lot of confidence within myself, as well as in my studies. I believe that GCC has set me up with the skills I need to succeed, it is for this reason that I don’t plan to transfer to another college; I’m extremely excited and I feel ready to enter the retail business. I plan to succeed through putting use to what my professors taught me these past two years and to make a lasting positive impression in the professional field of retail.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Kylie Dunn.