Do you ever look around you in class and wonder if you are the exception, or the rule? Are you on the road less traveled, or surrounded by your peers? Since I tend to look at things from a statistical standpoint, these are questions I quietly ask as I look at the faces around me. Did you know, there is statistical data on the GCC website under institutional research and assessment? It contains some interesting data that further confirms some of my suspicions about which majors appeal to older students, and which majors are chosen more by young students. There is also information on which classes are predominately female and which have higher percentages of male enrollment. I want to preface this blog with a disclaimer. I am looking at this chart as a novice and just for fun, so none of my estimations are guaranteed accurate.
With total enrollment from 2008 to 2011 being predominately female by a ratio of nearly 2 to 1; it is surprising that there are any majors where the men outnumber the women. Communication and Media Arts Majors tend to be boys, however girls are closing the gap, if trends continue. Business Administration classes are where the boys are, as the chart indicates there are about 20 percent more males in that major. Criminal Justice is 2 to 1 in favor of men, also. Computer Information Systems is the most male dominated with a 4 to 1 ratio. Men are also found in the Physical Education major about three times as often as women.
Teaching has been dominated by females, so the 4 to 1 ratio from 2008 to 2010 is no surprise, but in 2011 the gap narrowed with a 3 to 1. It is also no surprise that more females go into Nursing than males. Interestingly, over the four year span, enrollment has been increasing, and the female to male ratio has narrowed from 10 to 1 to 5 to 1. Fashion Merchandising Management, Tourism and Hospitality, and Medical Administrative Assistant also largely appeal to woman.
As far as the returning students are concerned, they seem to choose very specific career minded professions. Teaching Assistants, Customer Relationship Manager and Respiratory Care degrees appeal to students with an average age of 33. Next in line are Accounting and Administrating Assistants whom were 32, on average. We round out the 30 somethings with degrees in Human Services, Paralegal and Nursing.
Students who are fresh out of high school are more likely to choose degrees that are a bit more abstract and flexible, perhaps even artistic. The youngest average age of 19 was found in Fashion Merchandising Management. Other majors that appeal to those in their early 20’s include Theater Tech, Digital Art, Criminal Justice, Physical Education, and Communications/Media Arts.
As you can see, your mom was right when she said you can be anything when you grow up. The career choices people make depend on a lot of factors that are specific to that individual’s preferences and abilities as well as the employment opportunities in the area. The chart does seem to show a definite shift in these choices as a person approaches late twenties and into the thirties. It seems that the question “What do you want to be when you grow up,” changes over time. Let it inspire hope in young people who are following their dreams, that there are second chances in life. If your original dream does not work out, do not dispair. Don’t be afraid to reach for the stars! Go back to school.
Miscellaneous
Designing our Future
Standard
Candace Cooper is the founder and designer of Can’de Couture , an up and coming fashion brand. It’s popularity has dominated across her home town of Rochester and now she is striving to reach across Western New York. The Can’de Couture collection began as a senior project and ended up becoming the start of her dream.”For a girl who has never had a sewing class in her life, I truly believe that this talent is a gift from God.”
Can’de Couture was first discovered by well-known photographer named Christopher Cardwell, owner of GoodKnews Photography. He was astounded by the designs of the collection and was very impressed by Candace, who was only seventeen at the time. After the brand was discovered, Candace was contacted by the director of ROC The Runway, one of the biggest fashion shows in Rochester, NY. They expressed the need of featuring Can’de Couture in the show and that year Candace was presented with the title of the youngest and most talented designer in the show.
Since the show, Can’de Couture’s brand has had many business inquires and a tremendous boost in clientele. Can’de Couture’s target market are young ladies that are looking for a posh style without the high price tag.
Can’de Couture encourages the motto of “dressing for success every day.” The brand focuses on trendy designs, while pursing the most affordable of styles for fashionistas. Can’de Couture’s designs are classic, with a chic and sophisticated approach. The Can’de Couture brand takes designs to the next level by including edgy and stylish pieces that easily transition from day to night wear.
Despite that Candace is a freshmen at Genesee, she has worked hard and proven her worth. She will be designing for her own scene in the 32nd Annual Fashion Show, Fashion Forward!
Get ready to see Can’de Couture on the Catwalk!
Saving money on Textbooks 101
StandardFirst week of class, and I’m seeing a lot of intense faces around campus. Some people are still scrambling last minute to get the books and supplies they need for college. I have been giving out some money saving advice around campus, and I thought I might blog about some of my tricks of the trade.
#1 Used Books- It’s no secret, wherever you buy the book you will save 50% buying it used. They tend to be in good to like new condition from reputable sellers. I bought most of mine from Amazon It’s easy to search and they list merchants with that book and choose the best price and/or reputation. Some are filled by Amazon and qualify for free supersaver shipping. Amazon was great to work with for a return when I changed my mind and they will buy back the books when you are done. I actually made a profit on one book last semester. (Shop around on buy backs- it is a supply and demand system- so prices differ from place to place and day to day. In fact that goes for the price of buying used books also.)
#2 Renting- There are several sites that rent textbooks. I usually use bookrenter.com. They had the best rental prices for most items and if you search google for a coupon code you can save an extra 5-10% of 2 or more rentals. They pay shipping cost both ways. They have different costs for shorter rental periods too! Renting can work out better than buying used because often publishers come out with a new edition of the book, so you will be stuck with the old one.
#3 Borrowing- The Library has a selection of Textbooks at the circulation desk. If you leave your ID badge, you can borrow the book while in the library. This is great if the book is not needed all the time, you are unsure about staying in the class, or you are on campus a lot, like me. Also, you could borrow from of share with a classmate or friend.
#4 Free E-book trial- When you need a textbook in a hurry, try websites that offer free trials of E-books! I tried coursesmart.com where you can read the first chapter or so of the book and copy-paste all the notes so I did not fall behind waiting for books in the mail. (Of course you might like it, and e-textbooks are less pricey than new books also!) Some even give you a week free trial, so if you read fast, you might not need to buy the book at all!
#5 Cash Back- Rebates with “Ebates”. I shop online through a link and I get paid up to 25% cash back for purchases made at pretty much any store you can imagine, including Amazon and Bookrenter. I have made over $600.00 shopping online over the past few years. You even get a ten dollar gift card to join, so check it out.
I hope these tips are helpful to each of you as you get into the swing of things this semester. With the tight budgets of college students every few bucks you save means another mocha latte at the cafe’. Until next time, I hope to see you around campus. I’ll be the one with their nose in a discount Textbook…but I always have time to look up and say “Hi.” to a friend!
Display and Visual Merchandising – BUS 208
StandardThis is one of my favorite classes I have taken at GCC so far, as it has let me express my creative side, while also developing my team working skills. I have learnt a lot from Ms. Ehrhart who teaches this class with so much passion and vigor. It’s an 8 week class, making it quick paced, and action packed which has given me a better grasp and feel for real world applications. As part of this course, my group was fortunate enough to get real world experience by merchandising the windows at Charles Men’s Shop in Batavia NY.
Charles Men’s Shop Display
Display and visual merchandising is a very hands on class, and during the 8 weeks, our main focus was to complete four visual displays: shadow box, display case, rack and the window.
Each display gave us a chance to work with differing type of visual merchandising, which we may come across in our future careers.
Here are a few examples of our classes finished displays:
Photos taken by Shawna Platt & Jamie Tyrrell
A Loss For Words
StandardThere are so many feelings that flood my mind at the end of the semester that I am at a loss for words to effectively convey my emotions. The relief that I’m done with my classes mixed with the heartbreak of leaving treasured new friends. Bittersweet does not seem strong enough or accurate enough to tell the full story. As a writer, it’s tough to admit the English language oftentimes falls short of having the perfect word to express an exact emotion. For example, “Love” can mean so many different things to different people, at different times…and yet we have only four letters trying to say it all.
In most cultures, people have many words to describe what is important to them. Eskimos have over twenty words for snow and the French have endless descriptions for wine. What words are important to Americans? Pizza? Couch? Internet? I’m almost afraid to ask. The book “The meaning of Tingo” by Adam Jacot de Boinod is more daring than I. It explores interesting words from around the world, and their often very precise meanings. It tended to make me jealous of the beauty of other languages.
Even a senior moment is fun in Hawaiian. Just say, “pana po’o”, which means to scratch your head to remember something you have forgotten. Goofing off sounds just as fun in Japanese; “bosabosa”. I can see myself being a “neko-neko” in Indonesian. That is one who has a creative idea which only makes things worse. I would blush as the social consequences of a Turkish “fart”, which means talking nonsense.
The words to describe specific people are some of the most hysterical. In Japanese a “bakkushan” is a woman who appears pretty from behind, but not from the front. In Yiddish they call someone who interferes with unwanted advice a “kibitzer: but I just call her “Mom”. In the Congo they say “Iilunga” to describe one who is ready to forgive any abuse the first time, tolerate it a second time, but never a third. Maybe that is where we get three strikes and you’re out. German words are always quite descriptive, like this one that just sounds like my husband looks. A “Krawattenmuffel” is one who doesn’t like wearing ties.
America is such a melting pot that our language is derived from nearly all others. It makes sense that oftentimes there is a familiar ring to words from other languages. At GCC we are fortunate to have a diverse population of cultures. It can be very interesting to bridge the language barrier to learn new words from Japan, Mexico, or Hawaii. Or perhaps, you could be of assistance in teaching someone new to our country the connotations of English words or slang phrases. I did not know “pop” was another word for “soda”, and I only moved to New York from Virginia. Just my age prevents me from fully comprehending conversations from young people that are essentially English, or what passes for it these days.
Finally, I hope that this semester comes to a productive and pleasant end for my fellow students and esteemed teachers. May the upcoming holidays and New Year bring hope and joy into each of your lives.. With the wisdom of a fortune cookie I wish “mingmu” for all. That is Chinese for “to die without regret.” Suckle every drop of sweet necker your lives have to offer, for the breath of life will all too soon come to its bittersweet end.
It’s the End of the World as we know it…
Standard…and I feel fine. Leave it to REM to make the Apocalypse sound like a good time. I sincerely doubt there are any GCC students who truly believe the world will end on December 21 2012 when the Mayan calendar runs out. My Astronomy teacher is the first to tell you an asteroid will crash into earth and life as we know it will end…just not this month. Still, it is a romantic concept that this will be our final year in existence. Are you happy with the way you spent it? This year has been a struggle for me. It was a year of pulling my weary bones out of the personal Hell that held me captive. As I climbed from depth of darkness toward the light and promise of a college degree at GCC, many demons tried to pull me down. Vengeful, crazy, often bleach blonde demons stood between me and my dreams. Onward through the fog I plowed, through illness, poverty, and deaths of loved ones. I’m proud that I have refused to give up, and I have managed to be open to all the wonder that this year also has had to offer. I have learned so much in my first semester, and I’m proud not just for the grades, but to the improvement I’ve made to myself. I have had the opportunity to meet the most fantastic teachers, students and staff. It is a dream that I was selected as a blogger, and get an opportunity to share my thoughts with the masses. My three kids are healthy, smart and succeeding in their lives. My daughter graduated early and is a GCC student in digital arts. My oldest son is graduating early at only 16, and has plans for college. My 11 year old, also ahead in school, has just advanced in the LEGO robotics tournament. I have a wonderful extended family that I’m blessed to have in my life. I have a home, and all my basic needs met. I have hope for the future, even if it doesn’t last until Christmas. So, I guess I’m ready for whatever comes my way. The end of anything is also the start of something new. The Mayan calendar is no exception. Many scholars believe that instead of it predicting cataclysmic events that it actually it marks the beginning of a new era! I think I like the idea of world-wide changes and a sort of rebirth for us all. I hope the clean slate does not wipe out humanity in order to accomplish a total do-over, but if it does, it’s been nice knowing you. For fans of the TV show LOST, you will understand that society needs to start over until there is a group of people who get it right. Let’s be that group, and let Hurley be our leader. I’m confident enough to say, See you next year!
Hot Off The WordPress . . . “RASO’s UNITE”
StandardWe temporarily interrupt our regularly scheduled programing . . . NEWS FLASH! . . . This just in . . . There is a student movement afoot within the friendly confines of our hallowed facility. A rallying cry “RASO’s UNITE” (Returning Adult Student Organization) is being heard louder and louder from more and more students with each passing moment. How did this come to be? What unleashed this sudden torrent of unified efforts and energies? What is it they seek? Are they friendly? Should we scatter the chickens . . . ?
Our investigation has revealed that it all started innocently enough, one person with one question, who then posed this question to another. From there the momentum expanded exponentially to the point of support pouring into this cause from the four corners of the campus. What is their cause? A place for RASO’s to network, garnish guidance and advice, and assist one another. This will be a place for them to bring their issues, problems, and concerns, whatever their Waterloo may be. A well being oasis for the returning adult student is what they seek.
Our latest report indicates that the RASO’s are planning on holding a rally Wednesday Dec. 5th at 12:30 in room T-123. Further investigation has revealed that even a staff member, Brenda Sheflin (343-0055 ext. 6185 or bjsheflin@genesee.edu), has fallen under their spell and is directly involved with this uprising. She asks that any aspiring RASO rally attendees contact her through the above channels. . . . Well there you have it student nation. Was kind of scary at first but we now believe they are pretty much harmless (more brains). So go ahead and put your chickens back in the pen and stay tuned for further details . . . We now return you to our regularly scheduled programming . . . .
Eleanor Lambert – A Fashion Great
StandardMyself and many of the fashion students here at GCC learnt in depth about the life and works of Eleanor Lambert from esteemed author and speaker John Tiffany. He captured our attention for more than an hour as he educated and entertained us through the stories of one of the most influential women in the fashion industry.
Eleanor Lambert is less well known to the average Joe than the likes of Ralph Lauren and Donna Karen, but in the whole scheme of American fashion, she is so much more important. The main reason these iconic American designers are hugely successful is due, in no small part, to the hard work Eleanor Lambert did over her many illustrious years, promoting and supporting the American fashion industry as a whole.
My eyes were truly opened to how integral and influential Eleanor was to help change American fashion and put it on the world’s fashion stage to compete with the likes of France and Italy. As fashion students, we owe so much to this amazing lady who helped create the huge fashion industry we see today in America, one which we aspire to be a part of in the near future.
We must also thank John Tiffany for working tirelessly to educate the world, by keeping the wonderful and interesting memories alive of one of fashions most distinguished and forward thinking minds.
A copy of John Tiffany’s book, “Eleanor Lambert: Still Here” which is an essential piece of fashion history, is available at the Genesee Community College Alfred C. O’Connell library.
Available at Amazon.com
Why Are We Here?
StandardHey student nation how’s the world been treating you since last time around? Well I hope. A lot’s been going on since we last chatted. I’ve been attending all the Leadership Development Workshops and Career Service Center seminars that I can fit into my schedule this semester. John McGowan does a great job presenting the various topics for Career Services. Barbra Shine, Amy Masters, Brian Fraser, Amy Conley, and Lina LaMattina to name a few, do the LDW program just as proud. In case you didn’t know it the LDW presenters donate their time to make sure this information, this knowledge, these advantages, are available to us all. I highly recommend attending as many as you possibly can. The gift of time is the greatest gift of all. Don’t miss out on it!
Another fine activity to involve yourself with is the Toastmasters organization. Headed by Jacqueline DiBella and John McGowan you’ll learn the ins and outs of becoming a polished presenter. If you’re uncomfortable in front of an audience this is the place for you. In today’s world the ability to professionally present, both yourself and information, is vital. This club will help you on your way to becoming a confident presenter not to mention the networking aspect that walks hand-in-hand with it.
How does all this tie into the title which was the question I left you with last blog. Why are we here? I’ve asked this question around campus and here are some of the responses. I came here to become an accountant, a paralegal, IT major, and so on. Myself I enrolled here to become a business administrator or so I thought. Holy smackdown Batman was I wrong.
Business administration is what I was going to learn along the way to the ultimate goal. It’s now my opinion that we are all here to become the exact same thing, that being a PROFESSIONAL. A professional what is but a mere sidebar in my mind, hopefully something you like. A person could know accounting till the cows come home but if you don’t handle that knowledge in a professional manner you’ll “account” for no one. First and foremost yourself!
Yes I truly believe we are all here for the exact same reason weather we realize it or not. Are there any thoughts on that one? Please let me know. So when you get up in the morning, when you come to school, when you study and do your work, as you walk down the hall try and attack it with that train of thought in mind, of becoming a professional. What a difference one thought can make in everything you do. Well I probably shouldn’t speak for everyone but I will say this. What a difference it made for me! Go ahead, try it, don’t be scared. Let’s face it your probably already not doing it, I wasn’t!
I leave you with this question for our next chat. When someone “gifts” an item to you most people feel privileged for receiving it. The question is does paying for an item yourself diminish the privilege of ownership? Enjoy the holiday and find something to be thankful for. Until next time student nation, be good.
Not exactly a “Karate Kid”
StandardIt’s a dark night and you are a woman walking home alone from work, when a figure in a black hoodie approaches. You are on your guard and watch closely as he passes you without incident. The moment of relief is short lived as you realize the man has switched directions, and now follows you. Your heart races, you quicken your pace but he is closing in. You know you have to do something quick. Instinct takes over and you turn and scream, “You better back off.” The mysterious figure replies, “But I’m your husband!”
I’m not sure what my next move would have been if this scene would have played out differently. As it stands, I just felt quite silly. I often wondered if I would have had the skills to fight off an actual attacker. Most people think “we live in small towns” here, so we are not likely to have a need for self defense. They are wrong. A few weeks prior to this night I had been stalked and harassed by a group of three guys in an SUV, and I had to sneak through a building and out the back door to escape them.
A few years prior to that, in another local small town, my daughter and me were passed by a man, who then turned to follow us. We headed for a better lit area, downtown, and went inside a store. The man waited outside the store a while. When he was distracted we slipped out the store, and ran home through a short cut. I had been discussing with my daughter since she was a toddler a plan in case we were attacked. If we could both not get away, she knew to run and get help, while I would stay and fight. This event taught her that her mom was not just being paranoid. Now a teenager, I get no argument when I insist she bring her brother or the dog with her if she even goes across the street after dark.
The scarcest incident occurred when I was a teenager, living in a town in Virginia, roughly the size of Batavia. I went out after midnight to get an Ice cream cone at the all night gas station about five blocks from my home. On the way back a man crossed to my side of the street and stopped in front of me, to “tie his shoe.” I did not want to end up close to him, so I decided to be safe, I would just cross back to the side of the street he had come from. Within moments, he crossed back and was behind me. I walked faster, and so did he. I dropped my ice cream cone and started running. He followed me as I cut through a wooded area, and ran across the street to my building. I punched in the security code, and got safely inside. The stranger disappeared into the night. I do not want to imagine what would have happened if I had not been so cautious.
It seems I knew the first lesson of Karate. The best defense is to get away, or “no be there” as I learned from Karate kid. Considering my experiences, it is clear why I would choose to enroll in the Karate Classes the college offers. Quickly you learn it is not what you see on TV. The class is co-taught by Shihan (master) Cindy Jones and Sensei Hyde. It is currently offered on M and W afternoons for college credit and an opportunity to earn a yellow belt in Isshin- Ryu Karate.
Hyde, who is a 6th level black belt started taking karate to be supportive to a boy she met while student teaching. She stuck with it because she enjoys the people, the exercise, and says it is a great conversation starter. Hyde, who describes herself as “over 50”, is very encouraging and understanding of students who struggle to learn the more difficult moves. This works well for myself, as I’m not exactly a “karate kid.” Hyde wants people to understand karate is used for self defense, and it “is not flashy like you see in the movies.” It involves self discipline and improves self esteem.
Jones is a 9th degree black belt, and the “highest ranking female in Master Kichiro Shimabuku’s Isshin Ryu World Karate Association” She explains her interest in the art, “I was very impressed with Bruce Lee and so I started karate as it was available. In later years I was thrilled to actually study and later teach his art of Jeet Kune Do.” At 71 years old she can safely and effectively bring a man a third her age and three times her size to his knees, with the self defense moves she teaches. She wants people to know that, “Karate has something for anyone who wants to learn it and is willing to put in the effort.” Jones has a karate school in Byron-Bergen. More can be found out about Shihan Jones at www.collamer-jones.com.
The Karate learned in this class extends beyond the physical, and enriches the mind and soul. There is a chance to gain understanding of the rich culture this discipline stemmed from. Jones and Hyde share with us their own experiences, such as this one from Jones about a time she met with her mentor. “When Master Shimabuku visited my home in Bergen he fished in my pond, cleaned and ate the fish raw. He was then expected to attend a special big Italian dinner prepared for him and couldn’t eat anything.”
The class is fast moving, fun and energetic. They train us in a variety of self defense techniques, as well as exposure to Thai Boxing, and martial arts with swords and bow. We read books on philosophy of karate, and learn its many applications for everyday life. “I use karate mental training everyday to avoid situations that might cause me to have to use physical techniques,” explains Jones. As you can see, even if you are never in a situation like those I described above, your life could be enriched from the practice of Karate.
Genesee Community College Blog 