Author: Kaileigh D.

Ryan Schmidt

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As soon as he walked into the union and starting setting up, Ryan Schmidt caught the attention of girls and musicians alike.  He finished setting up, had a quick sound check, which gave on-lookers a taste of what he can do, and they were pleased.  He started performing at 12:30 in the Student Union Thursday, November 14th.  He performed a variety of his own songs, and covers of popular songs such as “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and N’Sync’s “Bye, Bye, Bye.”  In between songs, he would told us about traveling and performing.  After the show was over, he had just enough time to sign autographs and take pictures before heading to another college to perform!

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Part of Ryan’s Bio :

“Having recently graduated from Northeastern University’s renowned Music Industry program, Schmidt’s career is coming into full bloom. These achievements have been fueled by a refreshingly back-to-basics recipe of undeniable talent, unrelenting innovation and boundless desire, along with a healthy portion of good ole fashioned drive.  As a mere teenager the New Hampshire native first began digging into the fertile Boston music scene. He took on office jobs within the music industry, making connections and hustling to establish the contacts that would eventually first introduce him to Q Division Studios (where such world class artists as James Taylor, Aimee Mann and Morphine have recorded). It was there Schmidt recorded his first EP, “Burning Bitter Years,” and released it before even receiving his high school diploma, and where he realized his vision for “Black Sheep, Run” and his most recent “White Horse” EP.  It did not take long for the ears of the Boston music cognoscenti to perk up at Schmidt’s first full-length effort.  With a healthy respect for the folk-inspired work of such predecessors as Bob Dylan and Nick Drake, as well as inspiration from more contemporary artists like Clem Snide and The Shins, Schmidt has a defined vision of where he is taking his music.  “I aim at finding a way to combine the song structure and heart and meaning behind some of these older folk songs with an interesting and unique sonic texture,” he states with an understated confidence. “I have a bunch of different ideas past what I have already started that I’d like to do in the next few years. I just want to keep evolving and progressing, to keep lining projects up and staying open to different avenues for my music.”  “I sing pretty hard and I sing with everything I have,” he says matter-of-factly. “A lot of people take notice of that.””

You can find him on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ryanschmidtmusic

Follow him on Twitter:  @Ryan_Schmidt

On Instagram:  http://instagram.com/RyanSchmidtMusic

Website:  http://www.ryanschmidtmusic.com/

You can buy his shirt at http://audiocotton.com/products/ryan-schmidt-happens

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CV November Events

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Thursday, November 14th- Karaoke Night 8 pm in the Village Hall Basement

Friday, November 15th- Connect 4 Tournament with Snacks, and prizes, 9 pm in the Village Hall Basement

Wednesday, November 20th- Shopping Trip to Marketplace Mall 5 pm-10 pm

Thursday, November 21st- November/December Birthday Party 6 pm in the Village Hall Basement

Friday, November 22nd- Karaoke Night 9 pm in the Village Hall Basement

Saturday, November 23rd- Clarence Clay Hands bus leaves at 1 pm, meet at College Village Office, bring your painting skills

Monday, November 25th- Thanksgiving Jeopardy 7 pm in the Village Hall Basement, Prizes will be won

Tuesday, November 26th- Thanksgiving Dinner for all residents, cooked by the staff, bring your appetites!

Wednesday, November 27th-Sunday, December 1st Thanksgiving Break, Make sure to fill out a break request form at the office if you plan on staying

*The above programs are for College Village Residents and guests of Residents

Insights from Adult Students – Donna Williams

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“When I was laid off in November 2012, the last thing I had considered was going back to school. At 56, I felt that I was too old and unprepared for the demands of a college degree.  After speaking to my daughter (who is also a student) I realized that going back to school was the best way to update my skills and make myself competitive in today’s job market.  Being a machinist for over 30 years has taken a physical toll on me and without a degree I have been unable to secure a supervisor role that pays a livable wage.  I finally decided to enroll and devote myself to earning an A.A.S. in Business Administration. Soon I realized that there were others at GCC just like me. They shared the same fears and the same doubts. All of the staff has been very helpful in helping me through this difficult time. This semester I had the pleasure of being in Mr. Dudkowski’s Advertising class. He inspired me to write this blog about my experience here at GCC. One of my classmates, Robin, is also older and returning to school to advance her career. She is busy not only with school, but also building a house, her artwork and tending to her small farm. If we can do it anybody can! Now that I am in school I am hearing about other careers that I can apply for after I earn my degree and I am hearing about them from teachers who have real-world experience in those positions. The teachers at GCC bring their own experiences to the classroom.  It is not about just teaching us what is in the textbooks.  I am in my third semester and I am proud to say that I am earning A’s. I am on track to graduate in December of 2014 and I have come to learn that going to college is not just for younger students anymore. Thank you GCC for helping me to realize my full potential!”

Donna has 2 children, Michelle. who is GCC’s PTK president, and a son who lives 2 hours away with his wife and Donna’s 2 awesome grandchildren. Kenneth is soon to be 16 and Samantha is 8. Her time is devoted to her education and family, for they are the backbone of everything she does.

Insights from Adult Students – Robin Alexander

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“At the age of 56 I have chosen to return to school to further my education.  Having worked for a company for almost 20 years as a color specialist and doing other various jobs and getting laid off, the choice for schooling seemed like a natural fit.

Not always making the right choices in my life this opportunity was one not to ignore for me.  I am trying to get a degree in digital art.  Having done art since I was a little girl will help and one should feel you’re never too old.

I have also developed some wonderful friendships.  My instructor Mr. D. is trying to push me out of my comfort zone and urging me to make use of the social media that all students have access to.  This is very hard for me; I am a very private person.

With the help of a classmate Donna, she has helped to get me acquainted with social media.  Donna has been an inspiration for me also.  We both have so much in common and want careers when finished.  To enjoy what our chosen fields would be.  Being an adult student seems natural for returning to school. I am now more settled and focused to achieve my goals.”

October 30th

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Written by Jessi VanSon

Ever since August 13th, 2013, I knew I had Epilepsy. I was clinically diagnosed with it, and at first, no one knew, I was heartbroken. I had hoped I was one of the rare cases where 10% of the population had 1 seizure in their lifetime, and no more. But I quickly came out of that sad, sorry state. I knew, or thought I knew, this was something that would happen to me, with ripple effects going only into my family. Honestly, I never knew that someone, a total stranger, could be so kind and so concerned about just some random kid going to college.

On October 30th, 2013, I had that chance to see the good in people.  At 4:20pm, I sat on one of the benches outside GCC talking to my dad on my phone. I was asking him, slightly impatient, when someone was going to pick me up. He had told me something that I didn’t hear.

I had spaced out for a few seconds, completely missing what he had just said, and he had to say my name a few times to get me back to earth. I said “Geez, I’m sorry. I spaced out, and I didn’t hear a word you said.” He then proceeded to tell me I’d be waiting a little longer, because he got held up at work. I said okay, because I was absolutely fine with it. I never really had any problem in waiting, especially when I had a book with me!

I read my book, called City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare, for about 20 minutes. Then I all of a sudden felt tired, and I put my bookmark in my book and put it down. This next part I could not remember until a few hours later, but I stood up to walk around, but I felt kind of dizzy. I started to sit back down, and next thing I know, I’m waking up on the floor, a woman’s voice saying, “She’s coming out of it!”

The left side of my face was pressed against the floor, my arms tucked under me, instinctively pulled in to catch my body from a fall, and just a foggy haze covering my senses. At this time I knew I had another seizure. I turned my head to my left side, and I saw a woman’s face.

Though my mind wasn’t clear, my memory was crystal. She was a thin woman, looked like she was in her early to mid-forties, and blonde hair. I could not make out any other details of her, because someone had taken off my glasses and set them next to my things on the bench.

She talked to me, tried to help me clear my senses, and keep me as calm as possible. I was very calm, because a seizure was no new thing to me. I fought quite hard to get out of that slow, foggy state that made me feel stupid. I didn’t want to sound that way, and I didn’t want to feel that way.

This woman understood and went slowly, making sure I understood everything that was going on. She had told me that an ambulance was on its way, to come check me out and deem if I had to go to the hospital or not, and that my family was on their way. She waited with me, just as she had waited while I came out of the seizure.

We talked, mostly about what I felt, if I had any injuries, whether I felt anything else than what I previously told her. I stayed on the floor until the EMT’s arrived, and when they assessed my situation, they deemed me okay enough to sit on the bench. By that time, I looked around and this kind woman was gone, to where, I have no clue.

At some point during this semester, I would like to talk with this woman. I would like to sit down with her and truly thank her, because I couldn’t that day. I am extremely grateful to her and her quick action to help this humbled 18 year old girl, the very one who she had no knowledge of, never met me before, but felt she needed to help. I wish there were more people out there like her to help widen my growing faith in others. I am fortunate that there are people at GCC that are willing to help others.

 

Get to Know the Resident Assistants (RA’s): Part 1

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To let other students, residents, faculty, staff and anyone else that may be interested in coming to College Village, I recently asked all the RA’s a few questions.  The questions that the RA’s were asked to answer included:

Why did you choose Genesee Community College?

What is your major?

Why did you decide to apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA)?

What Residence Hall are you in charge of?

What is a typical day in the life of an RA include for you?

What would you consider to be a good day?  Or what would make a day good for you?

What was your favorite game as a child?

What is your favorite food?

What is your favorite season?

What do you like to do in your spare time?

This is how RA Lacey responded:

This is when she did her relief volunteer work.

This is when she did her relief volunteer work.

RA Lacey

I chose GCC because it was close enough to home, but far enough away to have my own independence.

My major here, just general studies, but I will be transferring for Emergency and Disaster Management.

I applied to be a RA because I wanted to make a difference. I also wanted to show people how to have that craved “college experience” without departing from the values they had before college, and partaking in things that might not exactly be safe. It can happen, and it makes your college experience so much fun.

I am in charge of Willow Hall or I building.

My typical day as a RA is basically like any other college student; I get up way too early for my liking. I go to class, do homework and eat the lovely cafeteria food. The only major difference is that I need to make sure I am constantly available to my residents or even other residents. Sometimes I have office hours or night duty shifts, but the main thing is that I need to make sure that I am ready for any situation at any point in time. It keeps you on your toes!

As for what a good day consists of: hmm, that is a tough question. I think a good day really depends on your attitude and your perspective on the situations you are dealing with. It can be the most trying day, but if you have a positive mindset, it will all work out.

My favorite game as a child was Life.

Today, my favorite food is cheese and crackers. It changes depending on my mood, ha-ha.

My favorite season is Winter.

What I like to do in my spare time is hang out with my friends, listen to music or go for walks. I’ve also recently discovered the thrill of jumping off water falls. It’s amazing!

 

 

RA Joey responded with:

RA Joey

This basically shows his personality!

This basically shows his personality!

Choosing GCC was a big decision for me. To leave home for the first time, away from my parents. I prayed about it a lot, and I knew that this was the direction God wanted me to take. He proves that to me a lot now.

I am a Digital Arts/Fine Arts Major.

Applying to be a RA was also a big decision. I already had a job, and was taking 19 credits, I mean the obvious answer was no. And that is what I told my current boss; Ellen Brokaw that it would be too much and I can’t do it. About 3 hours later I was on the phone with her telling her that I had rethought my opinion, and the next day I was an RA. God also proves to me frequently that this was a good decision.

I am in charge of B building (Beech).

A typical day for me;  I get up, and I typically read my Bible. Then I go to the kitchen in search of food, and a caffeine source. Then it’s off to classes followed by office hours. This is where we sort mail, file papers, or anything that the staff needs us to do. Then I eat some dinner, which is either a salad or an entire bag of microwave vegetables. After that, I either go on duty (where I go on rounds, and distribute flyers.) or I do homework. Then it’s off to the upstairs, where I hang out with friends, and watch B-movies.

A good day is every day. A day is what it is, and you can take things positively, or negatively. All we got is today, so I say make it count.

My favorite game as a child was, Zelda: The Ocarina of Time!!! Reminds me of my best friend/my sister.

My favorite food are peanut butter tacos, with cream cheese.

My favorite season is Fall.

In my spare time I drink Chai tea, read books, play games, hang out with friends, listen to music, and create stuff.

 

 

RA Matt responded this way:

RA Matt

You can see him smiling around campus more so.

You can see him smiling around campus more so.

I didn’t choose Genesee Community College, Genesee chose me; I came here as a transfer student from another school wanting a fresh start and things just seemed to work out in my favor.

My major is Communications.

I decided to apply for the RA position because I wanted to have a positive impact on my school community and make new friends and the RA position seemed like the perfect avenue to accomplish both.

I am in charge of the Pine residence hall also known as D building.

A typical day in the life of a RA for me includes performing any jobs that need to be done around the office and/or campus; processing mail, hanging flyers, making flyers, distributing packages to resident’s, tending to any incident’s that may occur, giving tours to potential college village resident’s and attending to any questions or concerns resident’s may have.

A good day for me would be if everything went as smooth as expected and things maintained proper order.

My favorite game as a child was Super Mario Bros.

My favorite food is macaroni & cheese.

My favorite season is Spring.

In my spare time I enjoy writing/recording my own music.

Tracey Ashley/Open Mic Night

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Known for her seamless story-telling, sharp topical material and hilarious punchlines Tracey Ashley is a comedian on the rise.  Tracey performs on college campus and comedy clubs across the country.  Becoming an instant college favorite, Tracey was nominated by Campus Activities Magazine as Best Female Performer for her rave reviews of performances.   Tracey was a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing 5 and has appeared as a co-host on TVLANDS Prime Movies. Entertaining audiences with the ups and downs of her world, Tracey Ashley comedy is hilarious, endearing and all around fun to watch. She has also performed on Wanda Sykes presents Herlarious.  She has also been on OWNNetwork.  You can follow Tracey on Twitter – https://twitter.com/TAshley305.

Even though she is a comedian who has had many great opportunities and has traveled all over, she is just a normal person and portrays that through her comedy.  She had the whole audience cracking up with every joke.

After her performance, there was Open Mic Night where a local band performed.  Bobby Skrzypek, Greg Brennan, Nichole Murtha, and Jared Diehl performed first.

Local band

Local band

Willie Jakes and Julio Morales swapped out with Nichole and Jared.  After they all performed it was just Bobby and Julio.

Local band

Local band

To wrap up the night Bobby performed by himself.  He is also part of another band; Bobby Skrzypek And The Pedestrians.

Bobby rocking out on the Steel Drum

Bobby rocking out on the Steel Drum

Bobby on the Ukulele

Bobby on the Ukulele

Matt Attack at Genesee

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Students listening intently to presentation.

Students listening intently to presentation.

Diversity According to South Park and Family Guy- Matt Glowacki

Matt Glowakci is one of the greatest guys I know.  He was born with no legs, but that doesn’t stop him from living his life and being happy.  He has the best personality and outlook on life, that you wouldn’t even be able to tell that he is missing his legs.  My favorite story of his, that demonstrates this is the one night that he went out to dinner with his wife.  They were eating dinner, and Matt had said something inappropriate and all of sudden he flys back from the table.  He asks his wife what that was for, and she responded ‘I’m sorry, I was trying to kick your legs, but I forgot you didn’t have any.’

Diversity is a learning process.  Take the time to get to know someone before you judge someone.

Matt talked about how he never works a day in his life because he does what he loves.  He loves speaking; he does 180 shows a year all over.  He loves music; he has a DJ business where he sends DJ’s out to where they are needed.  He also has a wheel chair business where he makes custom wheelchairs.  He makes all of his wheelchairs, and he has also made many wheelchairs for Special Olympic athletes.

He also showed many television statistics, for example half the amount of homes have two or 3 TVs, and other shocking ones.

South Park and Family Guy are designed to be offensive.  In the Family Guy theme song it even says what the show is going to teach to viewers.

With everything in the world that we see on magazines, billboards, commercials, etc. it’s hard for many people to understand what beautiful really is.  Just be yourself, and love who you are.  Lookism, is the term for judging someone base on their looks.  Companies use fear, uncertainty, doubt, to sell products.   Young girls are hating their body weight because of what they see on TV, with how the models, and celebrities look.  They also play with Barbie dolls, and Bratz dolls, whose body proportions wouldn’t even be realistic on an actual human being.  Many companies have produce fake advertising and consumers see that and they make it out to be real.  Many companies will take someone, put them in the companies clothes, makeup, have a photo shoot but then photoshop all the flaws that they don’t like and advertise that fake person.

Racism, is also still a part of people’s daily lives.  One thing Matt told us, was that we have been conditioned to treat disabled people better, for example, always opening the door for them.  Try not to be ignorant towards the issues of racism.  He also spoke to us about how a word is just a word until someone says it’s a bad word.  Intent + Context = Interpretation.

Talk to your friends about diversity.  If you see something say something, stand up for people’s rights.  If your friend says something you don’t agree with tell them “I’m sorry, but when you say things like that it is hard to be your friend.”  Don’t give control of your feelings to a person who has no role in your life.

Some final tips Matt left us with are:

If you are in the bathroom, and if you can use the smaller stall because 7% of the time someone will need the handicapp stall when you may be in it.

Walk around open and curious, you will have a better time in life, most of the time, if you do.

Why not do the work to be happy.

You can visit Matt at his website, http://mattglowacki.com/ add him on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/matt.glowacki.73?fref=ts and follow him on Twitter, https://twitter.com/MattNoWalkie.

Telling a story about one of the colleges he visited.

Telling a story about one of the colleges he visited.

 

Saxophone man

Saxophone man

Matt Corey Nighttime Live and Open Mic Night

Saxophonist Matt Corey has traveled the world with a high energy show that features music you wouldn’t expect to hear from a saxophone. It’s an amazing show with the saxophone playing the role of the singer. Covering everybody from Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake to Jay Z and Michael Jackson. Pop, Hip Hop, Rock, and even Country! Matt was nominated “Best Music Act of 2012” by Campus Activities Magazine. London Theatre Guide singled out his performance as lead role in sequel to the Emmy and Tony winning Broadway spectacular Blast! as “Exquisite!”

He has been featured as a soloist at the Queens Theatre in London, Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center, Sixthman’s 311 Carribean Cruise and Rock Boat, and hundreds of colleges and military bases nationwide. Matt Corey was named Campus Activities “Male Solo Artist of the Year” in 2011, 2012, & 2013!

Matt Corey has also been featured as an opener for Joe Walsh of the Eagles, Comic Legend Gallagher, American Idol Bo Bice, George Benson, Dave Koz, Trombone Shorty, Third Eye Blind, O.A.R., Mike Posner, Far East Movement, B.O.B. and many more. Matt has also toured as a member of both the Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras.

Matt Corey is amazing on the saxophone, but I guess he should be seeing as how he has been playing since 5th grade, and still in his twenties.  He can pretty much play anything.  He did Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, a song by Michael Jackson, a song by Bruno Mars and more.  Matt is a great guy to have fun with.  You can follow Matt on Twitter, https://twitter.com/mattcoreymusic.

After he was done playing we had Open Mic Night where a local band performed, and they were great.  Matt even joined in on one of their songs.  Bobby Skrzypek, Jared Diehl, Willie Jakes, Greg Brennan, were the great guys who made up the local band.  Bobby is also part of a separate band, Bobby Skrzypek and The Pedestrians.

Matt Corey assisted a local band in a song they were performing.

Matt Corey assisted a local band in a song they were performing.

Posing with Matt Corey's belt.

Posing with Matt Corey’s belt.

Matt Corey & Open Mic Night

CV October Events

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Look what we have coming up for the month of October.  Get involved, meet new people, and have fun!

Tuesday, Oct. 8th Board Game Night and Snacks! 7pm VHB Come play UNO, Checkers, Jenga, Connect 4, Cards, Head Bands, and other games.

Friday, Oct. 11th Late Night Shopping Trip to Wal-Mart 10pm-12am

Sunday, Oct. 13th Pizza Party 7pm VHB

Monday, Oct. 14th Chef of the Month: Spaghetti with GA Tiffany Ralston VHB (look for flyer for the time) Come learn to cook and eat what you make.

Thursday, Oct. 17th Shopping Trip to Marketplace Mall Bus leaves at 5pm

Friday, Oct. 18th Scary Movie Night and Snacks! 9pm VHB

Saturday, Oct. 19th Nightmare Manor Bus leaves at 7pm. sign up prior in RA office.

Monday, Oct. 21st National Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie Day 7pm VHB

Wednesday, Oct. 23rd Halloween Cookie Decorating! 8pm VHB

Thursday, Oct. 24th October Birthday Party! 6pm Hickory 2nd Floor. Enjoy your birthday with others who have an October birthday.

Friday, Oct. 25th Karaoke 9pm-1am VHB

Saturday, Oct. 26th Spirits of the Past Ghost Tour. Sign up prior to event in RA office.  Look at flyer for departure time.

Sunday, Oct. 27th Pumpkin Carving 8pm VHB Show off your carving skills!

Monday, Oct. 28th Halloween Door Decorating Contest. Being Judged Halloween Day.  Prizes will be awarded.

Thursday, Oct. 31st Trick or Treating Haunted Hayride 7pm

*Above events are for residents at College Village only.  Check flyers for missing times, and locations.  

September Events

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What is happening down at College Village for the rest of September?

There is Checkers King and Queen at 8 pm in the Basement Monday, September 23rd.  Can you reign supreme?

The Roommate Game at 7 pm in the Basement Wednesday, September 25th.  How well do you know your roommate?

The Birthday Party for all of those who have birthdays in August and September can come to the Basement Thursday, September 26th at 6pm and meet other birthday people and have pizza on us.

Karaoke Night will be happening Friday, September 27th in the Basement from 9 pm-1 am.  Come sing your heart out all night long.

Saturday Getaway to Letchworth State Park will happen Saturday, September 28th, bus leaves at 1 pm from the office.  If you are a resident who wants to go on this trip make sure to sign up prior to Saturday in the RA office.

*Only residents at College Village can attend the events listed above, or if you sign in with a College Village Resident.