Academics

Classes are a big part of the GCC experience – find out all the great opportunities that are in store.

The Differences between Japanese and American Fashion

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The Differences between Japanese Styles and American Styles

By Ayaka Yamanaka – Fashion Business Merchandising Student and japan fashion imageInternational Student

I’m an international student from Japan. When I came here, I was sometimes surprised by some styles. People from Japan don’t wear leggings as a pants. When Japanese women go work out, they wear leggings as sportswear. Moreover, when they wear dresses, they wear leggings under the dress because they wouldn’t like to show their skin. Leggings are one of the trends fall/winter 2018-19. So, many women will wear leggings this way.

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japan fashion image 5The second difference is a way of showing less skin. Japanese women lack confidence of their body shape types, and many women diet. Because of this, they would like to hide their body shape. Recently, many women have been wearing wide pants to hide their legs, and if it’s in the summer, they don’t wear cropped tops that show their torso.

japan fashion image 2Of course, some Japanese women wear skinny jeans. If skinny jeans become a trend, some Japanese women try it, because trends are important to people in Japan. Sometimes, if you walk in Omotesando, where is very popular place to shop in Tokyo, you might see same handbags many times.

Trends are more strictly followed in Japan versus in the United States. In the USA, trends are not as important as in Japan, but Americans dress similarly. In Japan, the trends are more important, and there is more variety in what Japanese people wear. I have enjoyed observing the differences in fashion of the two countries.

Suggestions for a Happy Shopping Season

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Suggestions for a Happy Shopping Season

By Kali Nichols – GCC Fashion Business Program Sophomore and Retail Employee

As a retail worker, I thought I could share some tips for an enjoyable Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping experience this year. Many college students are retail employees, balancing long retail work hours, family time, and preparation for class final exams or final project presentations. Customers are busy trying to balance jobs, family, and efficient shopping trips. These tips may help customers and worker have positive experiences in the store.

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Some retailers let the employees pick which day (or both) they would like to work and the hours they are available; the retailers understand that their employees also want to spend time with their families for the holidays. Because of this, employees that you encounter at some stores are most likely to be in a good mood since they picked those hours and of course it’s the best time of the year. However, if you see an employee who looks like the day is really just getting the best of them, try to understand that maybe their hours were dictated to them and they are missing out on their family time to help you shop. As a customer, having empathy may allow you to see the employee in a different light.

If a price rings up incorrectly when you are cashing out, the best thing to do is politely ask the cashier to do a price check. The employee is not trying to charge you the highest price if it isn’t correct, in fact salespersons love helping you get the best possible deal! Please remain patient even though you may have to take a few extra minutes cashing out while the employee calls over the radio for a floor associate to complete the price check for you.

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Most stores have trained their employees in regards to coupons, discounts and how to smoothly complete every transaction efficiently and effectively. But occasionally, a problem arises that a cashier or salesperson cannot solve. Managers are always available for assistance in cases like this; these situations also may require your patience.

 

Lastly, please be friendly overall. Black Friday and the holiday shopping season is crazy busy for employees and customers who are working and shopping retail. Remember the reason you are buying the gifts and how much job will be had while unwrapping them. Happy shopping this year!

Fashion Program Announces 38th Annual Fashion Show – Limitless

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By Aleah Libordi

On November 7th, Kento Takayama and Hannah Donnelley announced the theme of the 38th annual Genesee Community College Fashion Show: Limitless. The boundaries to this show are without end. Focusing on the four seasons, each scene will resemble a different aspect of each season. This theme offers more freedom and diversity than ever before, allowing for creativity and expression to drive the show on May 4th, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Richard C. Call Arena on the Batavia Campus.

Questions can be sent to fashionshow@genesee.edu and be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter and the FBM (Fashion Business Merchandising) program blog at https://sunygcc.blog/category/academics/fashion/  for continual updates on the show.

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After this announcement, all fashion students took part in the annual color draping event. The practice of color draping was developed by Carol Jackson in her 1984 book, Color Me Beautiful. Each student was draped in different colored fabrics to determine the best suit for their skin tone, hair, and eye color. Personal color falls into 4 categories, cool toned winter or summer to warm toned spring or autumn. This is an admired event because it is personal and allows for students to put knowledge into practice. Students now know the colors that best compliment their unique personal color, and know which colors may help them look their best and feel their best. They will be well prepared in their best colors while at future interviews or when purchasing their power suit.

The color draping and fashion show theme reveal event is a much anticipated day for all students.  This day was paramount for fashion students, it ignited excitement and determination for the work ahead. The theme reveal is the first public announcement and official start to fashion show preparation. In the following weeks, students will be presenting their fashion show scene concepts to secure one of the coveted scene coordinator positions for Limitless.

Follow our fashion show journey on this blog as we announce scene coordinators, scene themes and fashion show updates.

Part-1 How International Students can save money while being at GCC by Zerin Firoze

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I was born and raised in a developing country, Bangladesh, and it was my dream from a very young age to study in the US. A lot of youths like me from developing countries also aspire to study in the US. It is extra challenging for poor students from developing countries to be able to afford to study in the US. Students from developing countries cannot remit money to a foreign country. The US government is also notorious for imposing sanctions in certain countries. Exchange rates plus foreign transaction fees by banks also add up. For example, 1 US dollar is 84 takas in my country Bangladesh. There is no legal way to remit money and corrupt middlemen charge high fees. I am a student from a developing country and here are the following things I have learned after coming in the US. I hope these tips will help you to save both time and money.

Choosing the right college

I would encourage all students to start at a community college first. You can literally save thousands of dollars and still get the same degree and classes at a cheaper price. Many community colleges like GCC do not even charge admission fees. It is completely free to apply for admission. You just need to apply online. So, apply to as many colleges as you want.

Learn to drive in your home country

Many cheaper colleges in the US are located in rural areas with little to no public transportation. You can save a lot of money by choosing a rural location. The cost of living in large cities is extremely expensive. It is not possible for students to pay out of state tuition fees and still afford thousands of dollars per month for rent, food, and other basic necessities. According to American Infrastructure Report Card, the US infrastructure is crumbling and has a rating of D+. Driving schools in America are very expensive. Private one-hour driving lessons are also very expensive and are not available in all rural US counties. So, try to get some driving time before coming to the US. Ask your family members or relatives in your home country to teach you driving for free.

Try to learn about car maintenance and repair before you come to the US. Then, attend a defensive driving course and Driver’s Education course in the US to get your license. You will be very busy being a full-time student once you come to the US. So, try to learn basic life skills while waiting for your acceptance letter from US colleges or for your visa interview.

Learn how to cook and preserve food before coming in the US

I lost thousands of dollars in wasted food. I had no idea how to preserve food. I had no experience in estimating the shelf life of certain food items. I cried when I had to throw away tons of fruits, frozen meat, and cartons of milk. I have been in the US for two and a half years now and I still did not find the time to read all the articles or watch all the videos that I always wanted to watch about food preservation. You can save a lot of money by learning to preserve food. Cooking skills are also important. Next time, hit the grocery store with your mom and learn about basic spices and ingredients if you are not a cooking pro.

Learn how to use coupons and rebate apps

I remember how overwhelmed I was when I first landed at JFK airport and very quickly I became busy with campus life. I had no time to read blogs about saving money in the US as a full-time student. I had no leisure reading time outside college textbooks. Hence, do yourself a favor. Read blogs and website articles about saving money in the US while you are waiting for a decision from US colleges or for your visa interview.

Coupons and rebate apps are not used in my country at all. I became familiar with coupons and rebate apps after coming in the US. It took me two years to learn to use coupons and rebate apps. Now, I am the ultimate coupon queen. I received $54 cashback from Ebates and $55 from Ibotta just for buying groceries and other necessary items. Groupon is also a great website to save money. Learn to use coupons and rebate apps before you even come in the US. Read articles about rebate apps and coupons on the Internet.

I will share more secrets and life hack in part-2 of the same article next week!

 

 

 

 

Read this before you register for a class!

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I have taken a lot of classes at GCC and I have learned a thing or two from my mistakes. I wish there are things I would have done before registering for a class, costing hundreds of dollars. Instead of, leaving important decisions and consequences of signing up for a class to fate!  Spring Registration begins October 1st.

  • Speak with your Academic Advisor and Success Coach

You might think it is a hassle and a waste of time to schedule an appointment to meet with your advisor and success coach but trust me it is important to meet with both the academic advisor and success coach. This is, especially true, for International students. You will be wasting a lot more time and banging your head in frustration when your advisor messages you that you did not sign up for the right class. Meet with your advisor even if you know your degree requirements because you can find a lot more information about your future classes, instructors who would be offering your classes and other academic activities. Your advisor and success coach also have a wealth of other resources that can help you. Message your advisors if you have any questions or if you are too busy to schedule an appointment to meet in person.

  • Meet with the Instructors in person before you sign up for a class

It is extremely important to meet with the instructors in person before you sign up for a class unless you want to be miserable for the rest of the semester and waste hundreds of dollars and your valuable time. You will get an idea how your instructor is when you meet with them in person to discuss their class requirements and expectations. A lot of students are excited to sign up for a new major or class. However, they are quickly disappointed and surprised when they do not like their instructors after they start a class and are half-way between the semester and it is too late to drop the class. Hence, they are stuck with an instructor and a study style they do not like. There are several instructors offering the same classes. Pick the instructor with whom you best get along. Ask your instructor how and why certain students perform poorly in their class. Your instructors can give you valuable advice to ensure your success.

  • Read the description of classes online before you sign up for a class

Carefully read the description of each class before you register for these classes. Check how much time you need to spend on each class before you sign up for additional classes. International students with no financial aid must purchase their books ahead of time during winter and summer break. Double-check what other additional materials you will need for a certain class. Try to use Schedule Planner to organize your time and classes.

  • Speak with students who have already taken those classes with a certain instructor

Students who have already taken classes that you are about to take are a bundle of resources that you must utilize. However, do not be persuaded by the opinion of just one student. Speak with multiple students, including students who have dropped the class. Learn from the mistakes other students have made.

  • Check if you accidentally qualify for another certificate

A lot of classes and degree requirements are very similar. For example, both the Nursing Program and Respiratory Care program have similar prerequisites. Health studies certificate and child care certificate have similar classes. You may have to take one or more additional classes to earn another certificate. Hence, carefully select your classes. Additional certificates can boost your resume.

May the force be with you!  Happy Spring Registration!

 

Fundraising for GCC Respiratory Care Club

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I am a sophomore at GCC and one of my majors is Respiratory Care. I am raising funds for the GCC Respiratory Care club by selling holiday chocolates, holiday gift tags and wrap. Healthcare majors are very expensive. Hence, GCC Respiratory Care club helps all respiratory care students to pay for some expenses like CPR certification, mock exam cost, three days’ review sessions, board preparation, trips for conferences, pinning ceremony and poster presentations.

All the money raised by GCC Respiratory club will be spent on the students. America needs more respiratory therapists. So, please help us to raise funds. I am sure most of you will buy chocolates and holiday goodies for your friends and family. I would highly appreciate if you buy some goodies from me as your valuable money will be used to help students. I am proud to announce that GCC Respiratory Club has partnered with “Niagara by Frey Premium Chocolates” to help students. “Niagara by Frey” is a leading fundraiser for countless schools and organizations in Western New York.  “Niagara by Frey” is an all American brand famous for making delicious chocolates and other goodies.

Some of the items that we are selling are:

  • Milk Chocolate Sponge candy $14.00
  • Orange Milk Chocolate Sponge Candy $14.00
  • Dark Chocolate Sponge Candy $14.00
  • Chocolate covered Pretzels $11.00
  • Pecan Caramel Clusters: $10.00
  • Cashew Caramel Clusters $10.00
  • Almond Butter Crunch $10.00
  • Peanut Brittle $15.00
  • Chocolate covered Oreo Cookies $14.00
  • Chocolate Raspberry cups $12.00
  • Peanut Butter cups $12.00
  • Chocolate Caramels $12.00
  • Chocolate Truffles $12.00
  • Chocolate Rounds $12.00
  • Milk Chocolate Miniatures $15.00
  • Holiday golden trees wrap $9.00
  • Red Stripe Wrap $9.00
  • Light bulbs wrap $9.00
  • Santa Claus is coming to Town wrap $9.00
  • Holiday gift tags $5.00

There are coconut clusters, raisin clusters, almond chocolates, chocolate Biscotti Prato, teddy bear, Santa, nutcracker, holiday foiled novelty assortment, chocolate sports car, ornaments, tool kits, dino eggs, various kinds of crème d’ Orange and chocolate locomotive, motorcycle and fire engine. If you want to see the holiday fundraising catalog, then please feel free to contact me. My email address is zfiroze@my.genesee.edu You must order by 26th October, 2018 if you are interested to help GCC Respiratory Club to raise fund for student expenses. Product delivery date is on 30th November, 2018.

 

 

Trace George

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By: Jewel Watters, Fashion Merchandising Major

The annual business idea pitch competition is fast approaching us now, and will be here in about two weeks! By this time, all participants should have already signed up for the competition, and should have at least attended one workshop to be able to participate. If you still haven’t attended a workshop, there is only one more left and it will be happening on April 12th during the common hour in T122, and will be about pitch prep.

This competition would be a great first step to making your dreams come true. One of our very own alum, Trace George, opened up his own business after graduating and has had a lot of success ever since. Trace George opened up the VSP Graphing Group Company in 1995, and his business went from a small sign shop in his garage to the successful business it is today.

According to Business First’s Fast Track 50, George’s business is the 10th fastest growing business here in western New York which is a real achievement. George’s company is also the official graphic provider for the Buffalo Bills, and the Sabres which are both amazing achievements.

Hopefully hearing about all the great things Trace George has accomplished for his business since graduating here inspired you, and made you more motivated to do this pitch competition coming up on April 19th! We hope to see you all there, and can’t wait to hear your business ideas! If you have any questions or concerns regarding the pitch competition, you may contact Lina LaMattina at lmlamattina@genesee.edu.

Student Entrepreneurs

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By: Jewel Watters, Fashion Merchandising Major

The annual pitch competition is coming up quickly, and there is only one workshop left for you to attend if you haven’t gone to one of the workshops already, the last workshop will be on April 12th during the common hour in T121 and this workshop will be an Idea Pitch Preparation.

If you are still unsure about whether your business idea is good or not, I’m here to tell you that there is no idea that is stupid, all businesses are creative in its own way, and there are many entrepreneurs out there that are students also just like we are.

There are student entrepreneurs out there that you could research into and learn many great things about. There are student entrepreneurs who have created a fashion company with clothing designed from wet-felting and shibori. There is also a student entrepreneur out there who provides restaurants with computer tablets for guests to pay right from the table. The point is you can make any business that you want to, no idea is stupid or too small.

If you do your research, you will find out many of the things that keep these fellow student entrepreneurs motivated to start a business, and keep it going. Some of these things being students researching founders who are also in the startup phase as well, and being motivated because they want to create a legacy that means something to someone.

If you are interested in looking up more information about what being a student entrepreneur can do for you, or if you are interested in attending the annual pitch competition then come attend the last workshop on April 12th, and come out to the pitch competition on April 19th and get a chance to win a cash prize. Hope to see you all there!

Contact Lina LaMattina for the application form, or any questions.

LMLamattina@genesee.edu

Make Your Dreams a Reality

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By: Jewel Watters, Fashion Merchandising Major

Have you ever thought about opening up your own business sometime within your lifetime, or thought about a business idea that you would love to see come to reality but not knowing what to do about it? Well, help is on the way pretty soon!

Genesee Community College will be hosting a Business Idea Pitch Competition on April 19th in the Conable Technology Building in room T102. This is the place to make your dreams a reality, and a chance to get to watch your dreams come to life. This is a real opportunity to present your business idea to people, and get help to make your dream business happen sooner than later.

If you don’t think that your business idea is good enough to be presented quite yet, there are business workshops happening up until the pitch competition to help guide you and give you more information about opening up your own business.

This pitch competition will also be judging your business ideas and if you win you may be able to win a cash prize, and let’s face it money is a pretty convincing way to get any college student to go to anything.

Attached below is a link to all the information you need to know if you’re thinking about attending the Pitch competition.

https://www.genesee.edu/home/events/businesspitch/

An Interview with Erica Swiatek of Innovate Faster

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By: Jewel Watters, Fashion Merchandising Major

I interviewed our keynote speaker for this year’s Creativity Conference that is coming up on Febraury 28th, 2018. If you are looking to learn more about becoming an entrepreneur, and tips and tricks to help you get there, come to the Creativity Conference!

1) What made you want to open up your own business?

Swiatek says that she actually fell into business, she was working for a consulting business in learning and development and creative studies, and she wanted more than that. Swiatek was approached about doing the Escape Room, and she wanted to do assessments, playing and teaching personality problem solving, and taking over just fell into place.

2) What are your responsibilities as a business owner?

Swiatek says that her responsibilities are pretty much all over the place. There is lots of stuff to do every day involving marketing, paying the rent, creating the Escape Room classes, and usual day to day stuff.

3) What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to become an entrepreneur?

Swiatek says that you should always make sure that you are really passionate about it, because it involves a lot of day to day stuff that you are not going to love, and you will feel like this is not what you wanted, her piece of advice is to always be realistic.

4) How do you exhibit your creativity?

Swiatek says that she exhibits her creativity through playfulness. She tries to be an ambassador at play, she likes to play first learn second. She says it gives her such a different experience, and that she still plays with a slinky toy, always has fun colored nail polish, and likes to showcase her playfulness.