Miscellaneous

Self Defeating Ideology- The Pitfalls and Remedies of Common College Personalities

Standard

The Perfectionist-Procrastinator– “I cannot be the best- so why try?” Ironic as it seems, a perfectionist desire to be perfect makes them their own worst enemy.  They are more likely to do nothing, then risk failing. This personality type procrastinates the starting of projects until the final hour and often turn things in late or not at all. They make up excuses like, “I work better under pressure”.  They have trouble getting started on an assignment due to a feeling of being inadequate.

Remedy- Start the assignment immediately after it is assigned, before there is time for self doubt to creep in.  If you start early, chances are you will finish early as well.  Once you experience the freedom of the project no longer hanging over your head, you will be motivated to change your procrastinating ways.  Trust enough in your ability that you will not fail, while accepting the fact that failing is okay.  That concept isn’t an easy one to accept, and seems contradictory at first.  If you understand that learning is a process, you will be more accepting if the highs and lows. The only real failure – is failure to try.

The Crammer-Hoper “I hope the class is cancelled.”  “I hope the teacher grades on a curve.” In the minutes before the test this typical college personality frantically grabs a text book and proceeds to dump and cram as much information as their brain will hold. Bits of knowledge races around in their head bumping into each other. Their head literally explodes and test answers fall through the art like snowflakes…melting before they reach the test.   Realizing these efforts were in vain, they rely on their ability to BS the way through the test, as they have done in the past. Then the promises come, “Next time I will study more.” Of course, The next test is just a repeat of this same vicious cycle.

Remedy- Cramming has never been an effective way to study; it does little more than elevate your blood pressure. Further, a reliance on hope or BS will not get you very far in life, as both can run out. Study to learn the information- not for the test.  Long ago, someone came up with the brilliant ideas that knowledge must be tested, to be certain that it is possessed. This inevitably shifted the focus from gaining the education, to passing the test. This could be a fatal mistake in a person’s educational pursuits. Think about it, do you want the doctor that squeaked by with passing grades, or the one who had such a thirst and passion for the subject that they absorbed every bit of knowledge, and sought out more? You are only cheating yourself (and future clients) by taking your opportunity to be educated for granted.

The Low Self Esteem-Excuse Maker– “Everyone who gets good grades, is just smarter than I am.”  “I can’t learn this!”  “I do not have time to study.”  If this typical college personality spent half as much time studying, as they do making excuses for why they didn’t, then they would be one of the “smart” people they complain about.

Remedy- Be smart enough to study. You are capable of learning anything that you put your mind to. Learn some study techniques. (I wrote a blog about it.) Avoid distractions like Face book, You tube, and Twitter. These waste time, and although you can claim you are multi-tasking but you are really just dragging your feet. Take responsibility for your own actions and do not compare yourself to those around you. You are not in a competition against them Your job is to be the best you, that you can be.

Mardi Gras for HomeCare and Hospice Follow-up

Gallery

The event at Batavia Downs Casino went great! We raised a lot of money for HomeCare and Hospice. Everyone enjoyed the food and had a great time. The bands, M.A.C. and -1, were phenomenal and the  crowd loved the calm atmosphere. The GCC volunteers were in charge of the 50/50 raffle tickets, chinese auction tickets, handing out raffle baskets, taking tickets at the door, and helping Linda Cumming, the Developement Manager of HomeCare and Hospice, with whenever she needed it.

The event was held in the in the Batavia Downs Clubhouse. It was set up beautifully by the Batavia Downs staff and decorated by the GCC volunteers. After the event was over, our guests went lose and had a great time gambling with their $15 Free Play. A lot of hard work was put into the event and the turn out was great!

It was a great opportunity for the Travel Club to help such an amazing cause. Thank you Linda Cummings and Amy Slusser for the opportunity!

Batavia Downs CasinoAmber Sharick, Brianna Platt, Amy Slusser, Zana Silmi, Gary Neth, The Band -1

Chinese Auction

Batavia Downs 2

Table Setup

Batavia Downs 3

From left to right;
Gary Neth, Professor Slusser, Zana Silmi, Brianna Platt

Batavia Downs 4

Amber Sharick (left)
Brianna Platt (right)

Batavia Downs 5

The Band -1

Almost makes you look forward to the Zombie Apocalypse

Standard

Ok, so Zombies are the hip new thing with you young people. My daughter drags my lifeless corpse to the comedy movie “Warm Bodies”, and I came alive!  This quaint story of a young zombie that falls in love with a human girl, is laugh out loud funny! Get ready to fall in love with a new kind of monster movie. These are definitely not your father’s zombie movies! With my recent Netflix subscription I have also been introduced to the AMC show about the Zombie apocalypse. “The Walking Dead” centers on a Sheriff who is shot and is unconscious when the zombies take over the planet destroying most of mankind. He wakes up and goes looking for his wife and son who had been rescued by his friend and co-worker. The Sherriff realizes his family left in a hurry, and wanders in a dazed state, doomed for certain death at the teeth of a “walker”. He’s rescued and brought up to speed by a man and his son whom are hankered down in an abandoned house.   After making an agreement to stay in contact, the two part ways, and the Sherriff looks for his family. He goes to the city to find shelter, only to find it has been taken over by zombies. The Sherriff comes to a “dead end” when zombies trap him inside an abandoned Army Tank. He is contacted on the CB by a young Korean man who, after insulting his intellect, helps him escape. The sheriff joins a motley crew of survivors, who are not pleased that he has now put all their lives in peril.  Quickly he earns the respect of the group by handcuffing the racist redneck bully of the group to a pipe. He launches an escape plan that involves smearing themselves with zombie guts. (How cool it that?) The group makes their way back to camp, where the Sherriff is reunited with his wife and son.  They were still in the care of his co-worker, whom had left him for dead, and now was in a secret relationship with his wife.  The Walking Dead may not be the most original premise for a series, but it is extremely well written and the effects are spectacular!  I jump out of my seat from the action and the suspense is enough that my legs shake uncontrollably. (Yes, my family looks at me like I’m insane.) This is my family’s new addiction. I recommend it to anyone who liked Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Roswell, or anything cool and zombie-like.

Victoria’s Secret: Behind the Scene

Standard

In the 8:00 a.m. Professional Sales class, we were lucky to have a guest speaker from Victoria’s Secret. Allison Suttell was Shelby Wallenhorst, a Fashion Merchandise major,  guest speaker who introduced Miss Suttell to the class. Allison Suttell was very successful at backing up everything that Mr. Dudkowski has taught us thus far.

Allison Suttell (Left)Shelby Wallenhorst (Right)

Allison Suttell (Left)
Shelby Wallenhorst (Right)

Miss Suttell is the Beauty and PINK manager in Henrietta. She told the class that she actually fell into her current position. Going to school for teaching, Miss. Suttell decided to apply for a job on the side. After being hired at Victoria’s Secret, Miss Suttell gradually began moving up in the business. She is now responsible for 160 people; scheduling, payroll, evaluations, interviewing, and making sure her employees are doing what they should be.

Even though Miss Suttell, went to school for teaching, she enjoys her high ranking job. She went from no experience with sales to her current position. She stressed to the class how businesses that are “customer oriented” are more likely to be successful,  and engaging customers with open ended questions is a tactic to build a relationship with potential customers. The word-of-mouth technique of marketing if more efficient than advertisements; she explains that if one can create a great experience for a customer, they will most likely return, tell their friends, or come back with others. Miss Suttell also explained the importance of training employees. If a person is trained in every category and aspect of the business, they will be more valuable, versatile, and most importantly, helpful to customers. Effective training keeps each location consistent; therefore, the customer who had a great first experience at one store location, can have that same great experience at another.

Having Allison Suttell as a guest speaker was extremely beneficial to the class. I think I speak for the whole class when I say that we gained more knowledge about real life experiences when it comes to professional selling. Thank you Shelby Wallenhorst and Allison Suttell for your time and effort!

 

 

 

Be the Lucky Duck in GCC’s 5th Annual Ducky Derby!

Standard
2012 Ducky Derby

2012 Ducky Derby

For the 5th year in a row, GCC is fundraising for United Way. The Ducky Derby is a fun and exciting way to raise money for United Way and at the same time, give money/prizes away to our ticket buyers. Last year, the students raised $2,500 so the winner of the Ducky Derby received a certain percentage of that money. This years event is Thursday March 7th at the GCC swimming pool at 12:30 p.m.

Along with your purchase of a ticket (duck), you’ll receive a souvenir duck!  You can purchase a duck at your own price:
$1= 10%
$2= 20%
$3= 30% (Percentage of fund raised amount for winning duck)
$4= 40%
$5= 50%
The first duck to reach the opposite side of the swimming pool is the winner. There will also be 2nd and 3rd place prizes for the 2nd and 3rd place ducks.

There are four project managers; Natalie Brown, Candice Cooper, Kelly Wetherby, Emma Peirick, and myself, Amber Sharick. For tickets, information, and/or participation, you can contact the above project managers, business students in the Business Forum Club, Mrs. Shine, Mrs. Paisley, or Mr. Dudkowski.

Learning Fashion Design with Raul Siro Ferreira

Standard

As the bus turns on to East Main Street in Rochester, New York, we catch a glimpse of Raul Siro Ferreirra, fast at work completing a custom Civil War inspired suit jacket for a clients upcoming nuptials. Raul is not only a world renowned designer; he is the owner of a hidden fashion gem, tucked away in one of Roc City’s most creative and eclectic locations, The Village Gate. Each 1 Stitch 1 is a sewing house that provides everything from sewing machines to t-shirt presses for use by anyone—including the designing rookie or the seasoned seamstress. As we entered the facility, we were warmly welcomed by Raul and invited to take in the atmosphere of a designer. One wall donned racks of designs that were not only created by Raul but also by up and coming hopefuls and students.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Raul was an open book and candid about his modest beginnings in the fashion industry. A native of Queens, he began sewing at the age of 9 making his own clothing but found there were not enough patterns available for boys. This prompted him as a preteen to begin creating his own patterns. Another fact is his original career path was that of a veterinarian. He graduated from Cornell University and along with a friend opened up a practice which was short lived for Raul as he found his allergy to cats was too much to manage. This gave way to reigniting the designer’s spark.

Back to NYC he went, where he studied and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). He went on to design all over the world including for Calvin Klein, Broadway and the costumes for Spiderman 2!! In 2007 he decided to begin his own business as he believed Rochester had a talent pool and a market for manufacturing along with tax incentives. Unfortunately the business fell prey to the recession but Raul did not give way to defeat.

Lemons? No way! He turned these circumstances into a tall glass of lemonade, creating, Each 1 Stitch 1.  As he shared his journey with my fellow students and me, he would at times give way to a slight chuckle which would follow his words of fashion business truths. He advised us to stay true to ourselves and business comes first.  Friends and associates will try to monopolize your time but you must insist on taking care of your customers first as it is business not personal. Also, know your niche as a designer, as you should only be making a limited amount of merchandise until you have a profitable client base. His hope is to continuing growing his business and paving the way for all who want to learn construction and design, especially the youth who otherwise would not be afforded the opportunity to explore their creativity.  As a parting sentiment of inspiration, he let the students take remnants from his material collection. Raul’s love for fashion is evident. A veteran of Rochester’s Fashion Week, he still has a lot of designs left to share. Stay tuned as we are sure to see more fabulous fashions in the very near future.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Interested in broadening your sewing technique?  Each 1 Stitch 1 located at 1115 East Main Street, Rochester, New York. The facilities are available for a low nominal fee; $10 per hr, $50 for 20 visits and $100.00 per month for unlimited visits. Private instruction available upon request. www.each1stitch1.com

Written by Raquel Goff

Don’t just pursue happiness, Own it!

Standard

It is hard to believe we are half way through February of 2013 already.  So far I give 2013 two thumbs up. New Years is naturally a time to simultaneously time reflect on the past and look with renewed hope to the future.  2012 for me it was one of triumph through struggles. It seems that “life happens”: it never puts itself on hold while you complete you’re to do list. It is tempting to turn around and run for the hills, when an obstacle appears between us and our goals. Most of us put off our dreams until later. We imagine that someday there will be we will have more time or less challenges. The fact is we will never have the ideal time that we envision. We even often put off being happy until some unspecified date in the future. Usually there is a specific goal that needs to be obtained for the happiness to be realized. I will be happy if I get my dream job, lose 20 pounds, and get an A on the test. It is great to set goals, or resolutions for change, and even better to work towards them. The destructive behavior is to put conditions on happiness. When you place a condition on happiness, you are choosing not to be happy with the person you are now. The truth is this moment is all we will ever have,  and they slip away in the blink of an eye. Happiness is not some mysterious white night on a horse to be waited for. It is not this unobtainable prize placed just out of reach. Happiness is already inside each of us, if we choose to recognize and bask in it glow. When I was younger and more cynical about life I would often  think that people who seemed very happy all the time must be of below average intellect. How can they see all the horrors of the world and walk around with a dumb smile on their face. Really, that was me: Age 18. I was a riot at parties. Of course, in reality many of the happiest people are also the smartest. I further thought that if someone were happy all the time, they must have a perfect life. Then I worked with a woman who by all accounts had the most turmoil-ridden, poverty-stricken, abused life…and she made me laugh until it hurt. She was ten years older than I was and she taught me how to be a kid for the first time.  I can’t say for certain that she was truly happy, or she was a clown to hide the pain. What I do know is happiness can be thought of as a learned behavior. It takes practice, and a certain amount of “faking it” until you make it might be in order. Start by squashing the negative thoughts about yourself and life in general as soon as they enter your brain. Choose to hang around with people who put a positive spin on life. I know it seems like fun to gather round and commiserate with your co-workers, classmates, and family about the evils in the world, but it’s not a healthy behavior. It just feeds the negativity, until there is nothing left but to wallow in your own misery. That does not mean you will never be unhappy. “If you were happy every day of your life, you wouldn’t be a human being. You’d be a game show host.” (Heathers)  I’m just saying realize this: Your life is not as bad as you think. If you can learn to smile through the tears when life isn’t going your way, then when things do work out the joy will be untarnished. Again, if you do not “own” your happiness, then you will be too paralyzed with fear of something going wrong, to really enjoy happy times. Most unhappiness is caused by fear of the unknown. If you are ready to be happy come hell or high-water, then you will not have your blissful moments spoiled by uncertainty. I write this as much as a reminder for myself, as I do for the readers. To all of you who are in pursuit of your happiness in 2013. I hope you catch it!

Mardi Gras for HomeCare and Hospice!

Standard

Hello everyone, this is my very first blog so bare with me!

For the second year in a row, the Travel Club will be hosting a fundraising event for HomeCare and Hospice. The event will be held on February 16th at the Batavia Downs Casino. With the theme being Mardi Gras party, the event will be fun and exciting! This allows students mardi grasstudying Hospitality and Event Planning to gain experience and help out a wonderful cause. Although the Travel Club is hosting the event, we could always use volunteers to help out.

The tickets are $35, and it includes $15 dollars of Free Play at the casino, along with dinner and entertainment. There will also be a gift basket raffle and 50/50 raffle. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and winners will be announced at the event. A few of the raffle items include:

  • 4 passes to Palm Island water park at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia
  • an overnight package to the Del Monte Lodge Hotel and Spa in Rochester
  • a jacuzzi suite with breakfast and dinner at Salvatore’s the Garden Place Hotel

For additional information about the event, tickets, or volunteering, you can contact me at asharick@my.genesee.edu or contact Professor Amy Slusser at alslusser@genesee.edu. The other option for tickets is to register online at www.homecare-hospice.org

Yes, I was on Your TV

Standard

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be a glamorous movie or television star? Recently, I got a small taste of fame with my Television Commercial Debut. I cannot say I’m getting Warhol’s promised fifteen minutes of fame, but if you watch Fox or Buffalo stations, you might see my thirty seconds in the lights.
It all started when in a late night lapse in judgment; I answered a vague Craigslist posting looking for a “real Mom” to be in a commercial for a retail store. After about a day of paranoia that I had just given the “Craigslist killer” personal information about myself, I get the call from a studio executive. I’m told a few details about the project and I’m asked to upload a short video about my family and shopping habits. Enough time passes for me to decide that I wasn’t chosen when another mysterious call comes in.
I was one of two Moms who were invited to shop our local grocery store and then compare those items with the prices at the major retailer. I was briefed on a long list of legalities, rules, and a banned clothing list that eliminated nearly every item in my wardrobe. I am also told a ridiculous tale of shopping horror stories, so I knew what not to do. Tuesday morning at 7:45 came early, as I met the company officials and 2nd Mom at a donut shop. After some inevitable getting lost and an embarrassing display of my inability to work a smart phone type gadget, we arrive at the grocery store.
The initial shopping trip begins. I chose my forty items, being careful to stay within the guidelines, while getting an accurate snap shot of a typical shopping trip. It was just like a normal shopping trip with my family except I didn’t have my family throwing random junk food in the cart, and the executive actually helped load groceries on the cart and carried the bags. The company was kind enough to purchase these groceries, as they would be critical during this next stage.
We arrive at the major retail store where I’m greeted by store managers, film crew, make-up artist, and the star of the commercial. After a tour of the store, the results are revealed…drumroll…. I was chosen to be in the commercial! With a handshake, Mom #2 leaves, and I am sat down in a make-up chair. For perhaps the first time in twenty years, my hair is “done.” My face is layered with concealer, powder, and I’m introduced to a medieval torture device called an eyelash curler. The nice lady warns, “Do not move or you will lose all your eyelashes.” The move magic continues, as microphones are taped inside my shirt and attached to the back of my pants.
The first location is the produce section, where I strike a pose for a photo shoot, as onlookers select their fruits and veggies. We film a short clip outside, where my eyes water from the cold in the winter air. Next, we film the first product comparison. I have no lines or rehearsal, but instead, I’m instructed to listen to what the host tells me to react. Take One…Take Two. I quickly become aware of the time restrictions as the host is instructed to change his wording or pace. Logic tells me I also do not have time to recite a soliloquy. We continue in this manner for the other products, as I laugh at the quirky host and marvel the price differences between the two stores. Each step of the way there are legal concerns to consider, which I find of particular interest as a paralegal major.
Bystanders gawk, and wonder out loud what we are doing, even asking who I am. A staff member quips, “Don’t you know her? She’s a famous star!” I felt like a real celebrity as the make-up lady touched up my hair and make-up between every take. We break for lunch, but I can hardly eat from all the excitement. By the time the video shot rapped around 4:00, I was exhausted, but they still had questions for a radio spot.
When I was finally done for the day, I come to GCC for my night class. I get the first look at myself in the mirror, and use water and paper towels to wipe off as much gunk as I could. It was good to relax and return to life among the “normal” people. Apparently, being myself, is the toughest acting job I’ve ever imagined.
Within two days, My Facebook lit up with friends asking if that was me they saw on TV. Co-workers were calling asking for the famous “Rhonda Parker” and family was stopping me in the store, asking for my autograph. I was one of the last one to see the finished product. My husband and started watching TV just to see the commercials. My face becomes the last thing I’d see before bed, and the first thing I woke up to in the morning. I was unavoidable, just like the crew promised I would be.
Overall, this was a fantastic experience, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It gave me, yet again, a more objective view on the Hollywood lifestyle. A lot more work goes into every aspect of making a movie, or commercial in this case, then you would ever home to imagine. I found out a few things I might never have known about myself. First of all, I’d rather sleep in than have to start my day several hours before the crack of dawn. I’d rather be the one behind the camera, or better yet behind the computer monitor. Most importantly, I do not want to ever be within fifty feet of an eyelash curling device ever again! I’m still having post-traumatic stress syndrome from that evil little beauty aid!

Model Auditions February 12th & 13th

Standard

The fashion show planning has begun! We are kicking of the year with a great start and as each day passes the anticipation builds for the most exciting event at GCC. The 32nd annual fashion show, Fashion Forward, is on Saturday April 27th. There will be an afternoon show at 3:00 and an evening show at 7:00.

Are you interested in being a part of Western New York’s largest fashion show? Model auditions will be held on Tuesday February 12th from 11:00-2:00 and Wednesday February 13th from 11:00-2:00. Anyone is welcome to come strut their stuff in front of the scene producers. There are currently 12 scenes in the show, with each scene consisting of 15-25 models that’s up to 300 models!

If you are interested in being involved please join us at the forum stage and dress to impress. We will be interested in your appearance, walk, and poses, so please be prepared to walk for a set judges. We will be asking for all models to have availibilty on Friday April 26th from 3:00-8:00 and all day Saturday April 27th. We may also need models to meet for fittings based on scene selection.

The scene producers will be making their model selection the following week and we will post our selections by D260. If anyone is not chosen for the show please don’t take it personally. Based on my experience, as a model and a fashion show producer, I know the hardship people face when being turned down for a modeling job but it may have nothing to do with appearance. I have had to turn down beautiful models because they are too small to wear my merchandise. So once again don’t be upset, specific merchandise requires certain body types. There will always be another show where you could be the perfect model.

If anyone is unable to make model auditions please contact me, Samantha Vogt. My email is svogt1@genesee.edu. Anyone auditioning who is not a student at GCC can contact my personal email Samantha.macey@ymail.com. I will need your contact information, height, age, size, location and a few pictures so the scene producers have an idea of your appearance. One head shot along with a few body shots would be the most preferable. In addition to the photos, if you have any other modeling experiences please list those as well.

We are looking for a large variety of models male, female, children, adults, tall, short, curvy, thin, etc. So please audition even if you are not the typical 6 foot size 00 models seen on TV. If you are beautiful and can work it on the runway, you are exactly who we are looking for.

I will be looking forward to everyone auditioning this week and I cannot wait to see everyone work it!