My name is Jessica Rush and I’m a fashion design major at Genesee Community College. I was raised in South Carolina but relocated to NY a few years ago. I’m in my last semester at GCC and it has been the most rewarding experience. My favorite color is yellow and I love Vogue India! After GCC I plan on moving to Italy, I just recently got accepted into my dream school Koefia Academy in Rome, Italy!

 

As a fashion student at GCC I’ve learned that fashion is more than what you see on the surface. But what I love most about fashion is that it isn’t limited. To me fashion is cultural, reaching across borders of the world to take inspiration from all over the globe to make something beautiful. To someone else it may be sleek and simple but the truth is it can be absolutely ANYTHING.

 

GCC will always have a very special place in my heart, not only because of all the opportunities I’ve gotten but because the institution wants you succeed in life not just at GCC. But as a GCC student I’ve participated in the 34th annual fashion show working for the Front of House and in the 35th Annual show as the Front of House project manager. I’m also a resident assistant for residence life, vice president for the Honor Society Phi Theta Kappa, president of the voices of Diversity organization, member of the diversity council, member of the Genesee Community College Association, student government and involved in other clubs/ organizations.

 

As a scene producer in this year’s fashion is….. show I wanted my scene to represent my brand. My brand focuses on beauty within different cultures. One of my dreams is to own a fashion magazine that celebrates women of all races, ethnicities, cultures and sizes. I also want to create a Haute Couture collection that specializes in global upscale and intricate garments for women.

 

 

“So early in my life I had learned that if you want something you better make some noise”

 

-Malcolm X

 

 

 

Also, If you would like to donate to my college abroad fund I added the link below !

 

gofundme.com/ezmn6a7g

 

 

 

 

I’m a 26 yr old sophomore and I have to be honest. When I applied to G.C.C. 2 years ago, I had my fears about being an older student on campus. Knowing I wanted to live in student housing, I worried about how my 18 year old room mates would feel about living with a 24 year old, and if I would be able to relate to my peers. Looking back to that time from where I am now makes me want to laugh and encourage my 24 yr old self. My room mates never felt weird about me because I was an older student, and I’ve made much more friends than an average college student should. Because of my maturity, I made a great RA and I have met a lot of people. Outside of the social aspect, there are some financial benefits for college students who are over 24.

Most college students under 24 are considered to be “dependent” by the federal government, which means they consider you financially reliant on your parents. Therefore when most college students apply for financial aid via FAFSA and TAP, they are required to enter their parents income as well as their own. The system then generates the EFC (estimated family contribution); this amount represents how much money they believe you and your family can contribute toward your education. The grants and loans they then award you is supposed to be the rest that you need to pay for school. The issue is that sometimes they expect your family to pay more than what they actually can, and assume that your parents are they type of parents who will help you pay for school. Not all of us are so fortunate.

What I’ve learned is that it’s easier to file as an independent student when you are over 23, even if you live at home. Once you’re labeled an independent student, you are only required to enter your financial information. This helps a lot once the system generates your EFC. It is going to be much lower that it would have been with your parents information, and thus your grant and scholarship money should increase.

Another benefit to being an older college student has to do with car insurance. This only applies to older students who will be buying their first car in college. When you’re older, car insurance companies don’t charge you as much as they do 18-20 year olds. How awesome is that!? You could pay as low as $80/ month for car insurance, when your younger peers are paying around $150/month.

The last perk I can mention for older students in college is an internal determination boost. When I attended BMCC at 18 years old, I had very low motivation to finish. I went to college because I thought it was the right thing to do. I didn’t have a post-college goal in mind to motivate me when I felt lazy about going to class. I withdrew from college two semesters in a row and accumulated loan debt. I entered the workforce, and found a career goal that I am now using school to reach for. I know what it feels like to be without a goal, and to quit. Now I have a goal and I’m on fire to finish. If you are thinking about going back to college and you are a little bit older, you probably can identify with feeling like where you are isn’t where you want to stay. That mature feeling coupled with a post-college goal is that determination boost, and it will drive you through college. Thank you for reading this blog about the benefits of being an older student. Until next time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is fashion? There are no wrong answers, but many individuals I know consider fashion to just be about clothing and nothing really else. I would like to say to those individuals that fashion is just not about clothing. I myself, thought fashion was just about clothing before coming here (NY). Being from and raised in a small community in the middle of nowhere, fashion was considered a foreign concept that no one ever really understood. That is why this year’s theme for the 35^th annual fashion show has intrigued me: “Fashion Is…”.

The day in class when we decided to have this as the theme, I was fascinated hearing what everyone thought fashion was to them. Everyone had their own perspective and opinions. They were all so different yet linked together with their love for fashion.

Even doing a quick Google search “Fashion Is…” there are many results. Fashion is architecture, freedom, a style of life, endless, a statement, about you, etc. were a few of the results I came across on Google.

Fashion can be related to things people might not even consider. Coco Chanel inspired me to look at fashion as architecture. “Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.” Architecture and fashion have a lot in common. Both the designer and architect use geometry to generate shapes, design lines, forms and to create structure.

This year, 16 fashion design and merchandising students have a scene in the 35^th annual fashion show. Each one of their scenes will depict what fashion means to them. The scenes are so diverse, yet flow together.

My hope at this year’s fashion show, is that the guests will leave with new thoughts and opinions of what fashion is and can be.

-Kristi Knutson

“From this day forward, you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter, and my arms will be your home.”

 

“Fashion Is A New Beginning” is the name of the bridal scene at “Fashion is…” 35^th Annual Fashion Show at Genesee Community College. I’m Jordan Reese, who is currently in the last semester at GCC, and will be graduating in May from the fashion program. I’m the coordinator of two scenes, “Fashion Is Bohemian Chic x Childrenswear” and this bridal scene.

 

Marriage should be the happiest day of your life. So is working on a bridal scene. People working with me and myself feel this bridal scene is the happiest scene ever. I’m glad that we’ve got wedding dresses from MA Carr Bridal in Orchard Park, and will get tuxedos from Tuxedo Junction at Eastern Hills Mall. Currently, I’m working with my assistant Yuhan (Bella) Lu and my 22 models from this scene. Male models are going to Tuxedo Junction with me these days to get professional measurement, and will be getting their tuxedos before the fashion show. Luckily, our female models already tried the wedding dresses on and found the dress they love.

 

Model Kilitta Johnson-Small

 

That moment when you find the dress

 

We will be having our multiple rehearsals soon. Marriage doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful, but the fashion show needs to be perfect to be shown for you. The models and I are very glad working on the bridal scene. A happy marriage is a new beginning of life. Hope you’ll see something positive in our bridal scene and our fashion show!

 

– Jordan Reese

This blog is for any student that wants to lose weight or avoid gaining weight at G.C.C.

Right now, I have my room mate Sumika with me, and the two of us fight so hard to lose weight and to eat healthy. We want to share some advice with you.

Sumika knows how hard it is to transition into America’s junkie food culture from Japan’s healthier lifestyle. So her number one tip is :

“Stay away from the vending machines” 

The snacks at the vending machines are too easily accessible and they have too many calories! – Sumika

My number one health tip is:

“Go to the Fitness Center”

I think it’s important to become active and to find a way to make it fun. Finding a way to sweat helps you to burn off fat. – Iesha

And if your stressed out go to the fitness center to refresh yourself. – Sumika

Our next health tip is:

“Cook Food at Home”

Cook real food at home. Avoid pre-made or pre-packaged foods. Cooking food yourself is better for your nutrition, and it’s good to know what’s in your food. This may be a good time to learn how to cook. Also, College Village occasionally has a cooking class program that you can join. – Iesha

If you want to get really fresh food or vegetables, go to Harringtons (which is right on the corner of Seven Springs Rd and Clinton St, a 20 minute walk from G.C.C.). ALDI is another great place to shop for produce and save money. And both of these places are better than Walmart’s produce.

Also if you want to eat something like Ramen, you should add vegetables or something real to it. It’s not really nutrious on it’s own. Cooking can also be a great way destress. I enjoy cooking and I think it’s fun.- Sumika

I agree! Ramen is really high in sodium. I’ve recently starting to throw away the salt packet, and adding my own seasonings to the Ramen. There are tons of ideas online. – Iesha

“Avoid eating two hours before going to bed”

If you ingest calories at that time, there is no way to burn them off before going to bed. Those calories will turn into fat and you will gain weight. – Sumika

I agree. For me this is hard if I have a busy day and I don’t have time to eat until late, but if that happens I will try to eat light and drink lots of water before I go to sleep. – Iesha

Work Out With Friends!!!

Yes! Working out with friends is much better than working out alone. It’s more fun and you have someone who can hold you accountable to your fitness goals! – Iesha

Working out by yourself is kind of boring, and your team mate will encourage you. Like, if your friend is working out really hard, then that can encourage you to work out hard.  – Sumika

Sumika and I are workout buddies and we’re also room mates. So if I am having a lazy day she will tell me, “Go to the gym” and vise-versa. Or if I don’t want to go, she will go anyway and then I feel bad and I’ll go. 🙂 – Iesha

That’s about it. These are those important tips we can give you. There always more, but you should defiantly start here, or make sure you’re doing these things.

See you guys next time! – Iesha

See you. – Sumika

It is April 7^th, and it seems like everyone being busy at this moment of the year. You might be taking 6 classes; you might be working for the coming annual fashion show; you might have started some final papers and/or projects; or you might be thinking of your next college and waiting to graduate. Luckily and unfortunately, I’m all of the above in this case. So I totally understand how you might feel right now, and want to share some ways with you to relieve the stress together. Dear stress, let’s break up.

• Get enough sleep

Stress occurs when your tension level exceeds your energy level, resulting in an overloaded feeling. Therefore, as long as our available energy exceeds our tension level, then we’re in a good position. I am a “night owl”, but I have to force myself to go to bed early these days. The best you can do is to manage your work better, finish your work more quickly, and go to sleep earlier.

• Eat well

I mean eating regularly and healthily. First, like a car, your brain needs quality fuel to run efficiently. When it comes to studying, you definitely want your brain to work efficiently. Also, when you’re stressed out, it’s easier for you to be sick, especially when the weather has been abnormal this month. Eating healthily and getting different nutrition can decrease the risk of getting sick.

• Work out

When you’re stressed out, moving may be the last thing you feel like doing. But even 30 minutes physical activity can reduce your stress. Try something you enjoy, like dancing, swimming or yoga. I tried running in the gym several times. I was tired, but I did feel happier after that.

• Avoid stress relief with alcohol

This might be a popular way to relieve the stress at colleges. Having some liquor to unwind after a hard day of studying seems perfectly logical, but any unresolved stress, which you have been through, will just come flooding back after having fun. You may also have to deal with nausea and hangovers the morning after, which is most likely what you wouldn’t like to feel in your classes.

• Breathe, relax, and laugh

There are some ways that I’ve been doing and you can probably also give a try. Music can change your mood easily. Funny TV shows will help you laugh the stress out. Having some incense and candles with nice smells can improve your mood, too. Some good food and nice talk with families and friends is another way to have your stress out. Even playing with Snapchat filters is a funny way to relieve your stress. When it comes to studying, time management is one of the most important things for college students to remember as well.

Here are some thoughts I believe in and I hope you’ll also always remember them – The only pressure I’m under is what I’ve put myself in. Also, stress is directly related to how out-of-control we feel. So it’s not telling you to give up, but for you to work harder and get more control of your studying and working. Do what you can, with what you have at where you are. You’ve come to this far, not only to come this far.

 

The Tea x Design event was an astounding success, with a record-breaking ninety people in attendance!  Professor Donna Ehrhart, the host of the event, spoke about her new brand, DenimDoll19.  Involved in this discussion was a brief overview of her history as a seamstress, her process of sewing, and how she created a brand identity. She outlined the importance of personal branding, professionalism, and the creative process. The event was catered by Harrington’s, a local café which sources its breads and other baked goods from Deb’s Bakery in Rochester.  Harrington’s also supplied the flowers used in the event, which were later raffled off, along with an official GCC plaid scarf.

 

The enchanting Professor Ehrhart as she prepares to speak.

Ehrhart originals styled by Miss Lauren Countryman.

Event Planning student extraordinaire Rachel Diel finalizing decorations. .

Courtney Shearer arranging the refreshments table.

       This tea was the perfect way to honor the accomplishments of our wonderful Professor Ehrhart.  Her story is truly an inspiration for anyone that has any interest in the fashion world, or, in a broader sense, entrepreneurship.  The event was an unforgettable experience, and I hope the next Tea x Design is just as amazing. I’m sure, it will be!

On April 13th G.C.C. will be hosting it’s 3rd annual Creativity Conference. The purpose of the conference is to teach people how to think outside the box, and be creative on purpose, diminishing all the mystery that causes blockage and stress. Attendees of this conference will build their creative thinking skills and learn problem solving techniques, which are two high priority core skills that 21st century employers desire.

No matter what you career goals are, each person needs to exercise creativity in some capacity. It’s as basic and essential as the need to read. Doctors spend much of their college life studying biology and math, but encountering unexpected problems during patient treatment is very common. The ability to think on your feet, be quick, creative, and successful goes a long way. I’m pretty sure you’ve observed your teachers think on their feet when something in their lesson plan doesn’t go as they expected. It’s a skill that can helps us in all areas of life.

The Creativity Conference will be fun. It’s held as close to April 15th as possible because that’s Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. Leo will be making an appearance at the conference and there will be plenty of birthday cake to go around. 🙂 There is a full schedule of the conference here, with a description of workshops offered. One workshop I’d like to highlight is titled “Personal Reinvention”. This workshop is geared to help people discover the creative side and possibly their career path. I think it is important because many people feel no confidence in the area of creativity, even thought they posses many creative qualities.

The conference is from 8 am – 4 pm and will take place on the first floor of the T building. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be served. Most full day conferences like this can cost up to $300, but G.C.C. is charging students, faculty, and staff just $25. This cost is to cover food and materials used by participants. The cost for people who are apart the community but not members of G.C.C. is $99.

How to register: Email Elizabeth Downie at esdownie@genesee.edu. This is the preferred method of registration but if you have to, you can call her at 585-343-0055 ext. 6338 to register.

If you’re a student and $25 is a little too steep to pay, try finding a club that is also going to and connect with their adviser; ask if you can go with them as a club member and your cost should be covered.

If you have class during the conference time, and you’d like to attend most of the sessions and enjoy lunch you can still register. If you just want to peek in on the conference for one session, your allowed to come without registering, but please give Elizabeth a heads up ahead of time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Lina LaMattina at 585-343-0055 ext 6319.

Until next time guys!