Committee Chaos

Well, with the date of the fashion show almost upon us, everyone is currently working their hearts out sewing, coordinating choreography, and wrangling their models together. But what about the committees? There are five committees responsible for producing the 34th annual fashion show at GCC, they include: Public Relations, Front of The House, Back of The House, Planning, and Finance.

The Public Relations committee is a crucial part of Fata Morgana, and is also the committee I am a part of. The Public Relations committee is responsible for producing all of the tweets, hashtags, posters, tickets, and the flyers for the model tryouts in the beginning of the semester. The P.R. committee also promotes the show in order to ensure record attendance and awareness. A lot of work goes into working on the P.R. committee from coordinating everyone so that we can get the program together and sent to the printer on time, to completing radio interviews.

The Front of the House committee is in charge of all of the decorations, they made the middle-eastern inspired archway for the runway, hand-painted the decorations on the sides of the runway, and finalized the runway layout.

The Back of the House committee is in charge of all of the models, specifically they must make sure that models don’t have any gum in their mouths, assigning dressing rooms, getting photographers signed and contracted, making sure everyone is quiet backstage when it’s show time. In addition to all of these responsibilities, the Back of the House committee also has the very important job of telling each scene when its time for their cue.

The Planning committee is one of the most important committees in the show, they take care of picking the scenes, music selections, they make sure things run as smooth as possible, and they hold people accountable. Everyone has their own part to play in the production of Fata Morgana.

Each scene makes the show come together and without the help that we provide one another this show would be impossible to produce. Sometimes we may not agree on things, but in the end we all want to produce the best fashion show in the history of GCC, and in Western New York, and that is what we hope to provide this Saturday!

This blog was contributed by Fashion Design Student Ryan Welker.

Create Your Success

With only four days left until the 34^th annual fashion show Fata Morgana here at GCC I know that everyone, including myself, is stressing to get last minute details in order to ensure the shows success!

This year Katie Strong and I are producing the children’s scene in the fashion show, our scene is entitled Among the Wildflowers. Our theme is very bohemian and natural in order to fit in with the theme of the entire show; we decided to make our little models look more like flower children by having them wear beautiful flower crowns.

Since “DIY” or do it yourself crafts are turning up everywhere you turn we decided to make the flower crowns ourselves! With a few materials and six easy steps we were able to create our vision of amazing flower crowns for the children to wear.

I know that everyone involved in the show including Katie and I have visions of what they wish to see walking down the runway. Sometimes all it takes are the right accessories to make everything come together just as you envisioned. It is not only the merchandise but also the details that make the show jaw- dropping and unforgettable! I know that in only four days everyone’s hard work will pay off and the audience will be amazed!

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Taylor Bunch.

How To Choose A Major

– Follow These Seven Steps! –

I’m Ami Tanaka and I’m currently pursuing a degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management at Genesee Community College. I’m from Nagasaki, Japan. Everyday, I have a wonderful time at GCC with professors and friends! I am really excited to learn, and love my major. Deciding your major is one of the most important steps before you begin college life. Also, it is directly related to your future career, so you should decide it carefully. Today, I will introduce “how to decide on your major”, based on my experiences. I hope it will be helpful when you decide on your major!

Consider Your Passions, Interests, And Values.

Think beyond hobbies such as sports or musical instruments. Think about the impact that you want to make on the world and the legacy you want to leave behind. Are you passionate about business? Do you want to save the environment? Are you an artist? Do you love math? Do you want to be a doctor? Keep in mind that not only may your interests change over the next four years, but that technology and the economy are constantly changing.

2. Think Of Your Favorite Subjects And Classes In High School.

Which classes were the most exciting and inspiring to you?Consider which classes you performed the best in. “Easy A” classes don’t count; think of challenging and comprehensive classes in which you performed well. In my case, I was really interested in English, Speaking, and Hospitality management classes! So, I chose to study in the U.S., to improve my skills.

3. Consider Job Prospects, But Don’t Obsess Over Them.

Don’t think of choosing a major as applying for a job; think of it as choosing your life’s path. The jobs, internships, and other opportunities that open up for you as a result of following your passion come second. On the other hand, if your passion lines up with your career plans, then choose the major that will get you there fastest. In my case, I wanted to be an international flight attendant in the future. I have a certain dream, so that’s why I chose Tourism and Hospitality Management as my major. Through this major, I could learn geography, airline industries, hotel and resort management, and great customer service. All of my classes are beneficial and important for my future career!

4. Decide What Type Of Degree You Want.

While you may still be totally lost, you can narrow down your decision by deciding between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Sciences (BS).

BA degrees include liberal arts and social science majors like Political Science, International Relations, English, Art History, Sociology, and Cultural Anthropology.
BS degrees include science and math majors like Engineering, Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology, and Economics.

5. Read The Course Catalog At Your College Or University.

If you have already been accepted to a school, then read the course catalog to learn about the different majors, their requirements, and the types of courses involved. In my case, I also consider transfer requirements, so it is helpful to compare what credits I need to graduate from this school, as well as my transfer school. You can always talk with your advisor!

6. Consider Your School’s Reputation.

Does your school specialize in Journalism? Agriculture? Medicine? Engineering? Tourism? If the quality of the education you receive is of utmost importance to you and you are still undecided between majors, then consider which departments or majors your school is most well known for. GCC is one of the best schools for students who want to learn Tourism, because they have great internship opportunities, such as JFK and Disney World!

7. Set Up A Meeting With Your Counselor.
Whether you are undecided between two or more majors, or have absolutely no idea what major to choose, then set up a meeting with a counselor or academic advisor at your college. At my college, we have an international student advisor, so we can ask about not only majors, but also F1-visa, transfer, housing, internship opportunities, and so on. Also, your majoring professor helps you to register or build a study plan. If you want to have a successful college life, you should ask them! They will always support you.

CONGRATULATIONS! Now you can choose a major!

Have a wonderful time at College!

This blog was contributed by Tourism & Hospitality Management Student Ami Tanaka.

It’s Crunch Time!

There’s only a few days left until Fata Morgana, but no one can relax just yet. Designers are pulling all-nighters putting the last touches on their garments, models are practicing their walks and poses in sky high heels until their feet are sore, and scene coordinators are perfecting hairstyles and makeup looks for each model with their hair and makeup artists.

All of the different committees have been running around trying to perfect everything last-minute, too. On top of all of this, we are all taking at least four other classes that demand a large amount of time themselves. Since we are nearing the end of the semester, we all have final projects and papers to write for other professors. It’s not just crunch time for getting everything for the show done; we are also rushing to get other work for other classes done!

One way I handle all the course work that is given, is by doing all of the work ahead of time. I take six classes and for all of them I have my assignments done ahead of time. Doing this really helps me because I know I will be prepared for my classes and with all of that work done I can focus on other projects, like Fata Morgana. There have been times where I did not want to do any of my homework, but then I remembered all the times when I didn’t do my work and was even more stressed out as a result.

All of your responsibilities catch up with you fast once it’s the end of the semester, but it’s important to remember not to give up. Putting off responsibilities or haphazardly finishing them will set the tone for the rest of your college career, and your career once outside of college. As Lailah Gifty Akita said, “You are the only person that can create the future you want.”

This blog was contributed by Fashion Student Paige Henderson.

Top Five Things I Like About Genesee Community College

Top Five Things I Like About Genesee Community College

1. It’s Affordable

GCC enables you to attend college without having to be in debt for the rest of your life. Attending GCC is an especially great option for someone who doesn’t know exactly what they want to major in yet. You can take classes at GCC in numerous fields of study in order to find the right area to pursue a degree in without breaking the bank.

2. Small Class Sizes

You will get the feeling that your professors actually care about you. They see you as a human being and not just as a number in a room of hundreds. Since the classes are so small, if you are in need of help the professors are more than willing to assist you.

3. Diversity

The students of GCC consist of people of different ages, races, ethnicities, religions, etc. This gives students an opportunity to experience and appreciate what make us all unique. In addition. It also provides a real world feel because it teaches us to work and live with people whose opinions, views, and lifestyles are very different from our own.

4. The Dorms

This option makes GCC very unique since there aren’t many community colleges that offer dorms. It can also enhance the college experience and help students get used to living on their own.

5. Activities Galore

If you’re into sports, travel, dancing, or even photography there is a club at GCC for you. There are also activities that happen throughout the semester that you can take part in such as Open Mic Night, poetry contests, job fairs, blood drives, and almost anything else you can think of!

This blog was contributed by Tourism & Hospitality Management Student Tamika Knutt.

My Role Within Fata Morgana

As many of you may know, there are only seventeen more days until the fashion show that everyone has been working so hard to produce. Designers have been finishing their last garments, and merchandisers as well as designers are busy with rehearsals and finalizing their scenes in order to ensure success. The hospitality students are busy working on the Fata Morgana reception, hand making all of the decorations, and making it look like you have stepped into a middle eastern marketplace.

But where did my interest in fashion begin? It all started back when I was a kid. I loved seeing the Oscars’ Red Carpet and seeing all the actresses “glammed-up” with their dresses and accessories. Then I thought, “hey, I’ve always had a creative mind.” I wondered what it would be like to design for my favorite actresses who win Oscars for roles that they’ve played.

As a part of producing the 34th annual fashion show, Fata Morgana, I serve as part of the Back of the House Committee. My job is to make sure that all of the dressing rooms are set up the Friday before the show. The next thing we must do is make sure that all models are getting their hair and makeup done by ten A.M. on Saturday, April 25th. Next, we must make sure we know the scene lineup in order, and make sure before Show Time that no models have gum in their mouths, because in the world of modeling, it’s unprofessional. Being a part of back of the house is very important because we take care of the things people don’t see to ensure that this fashion show is planned accordingly and people have a fun and enjoyable experience.

Designer, Candace Cooper, and Coordinator, Ariana Sneed, during the Ethereal Fashion Show

I had the pleasure last year to intern for the best scene of the 33rd annual fashion show Ethereal. The scene name was called ÉCLAT XXIIV and the head designer was GCC superstar Candace Cooper and coordinator Ariana Sneed. Interning for that scene gave me a lot of experience to see what it was like first-hand to produce a college level fashion show. The day of the show I did whatever Candace or Ariana needed me to do because I knew how important the show was to Candace and how much work she had put into her scene. I remember that she was in the sewing room day and night working on her pieces, and I could understand why it was so important.

My next role in producing this year’s fashion show, Fata Morgana, is being on an interning team for Da-vid Simmons. Her scene is called Inevitable, which means certain to happen or unavoidable. The garments featured will be merchandised women’s clubwear clothing. My roles as far as helping DJ is to help her with whatever she needs the day of the show and to assist during rehearsals as well. When it comes time for the show I’m going to make sure that Inevitable truly is one of the best scenes because I have the pleasure of being friends with the head coordinator Da-vid and I know how important the success of this scene is to her.

Fashion to me is everything. It’s the career I want to have and pursue. Fashion is about being trendy but having the ability to have your own style too, which I think is important for everyone to have. I know that once we (the whole production class) take our bow we will know that we helped in making the 34th annual fashion show a huge success and weights will be lifted off of our shoulders.

My future plans after GCC involve transferring to Buffalo State in order to study Fashion merchandising. In the summer I plan to develop scene ideas to present and hopefully get the chance to produce one for the 2016 Buffalo State fashion show.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Student Patrick Szpylman.

Fata Morgana: The Power Of Community

As the 34^th annual fashion show at GCC is coming up, everyone is putting things together in order to make certain that the show is a stunning success.

I participated in the 33^rd annual fashion show at GCC by assisting with make-up. In this role, I experienced the chaos behind the runway, but it was so much more to showcase the whole show to the audience. The most important thing that I have learned from the first day of fashion production class until this moment, is the power of community. When the class started, everyone had amazing presence on their own part and tried to showcase the best of their talents for the sake of our originality, creativity, and success of the show. People not only worked on their own scenes but also held responsibilities as a committee member for the show. To get to this level of strength, we needed a strong sense of community; there is no success without the cooperation of this community. The selection of the theme of the show, poster design, runway design and all of the decorative items were discussed and decided by our community named Fata Morgana.

This year, I have the wonderful opportunity of working as a coordinator for the scene “BARE by Jocelyn Eade.” I worked tirelessly to earn this opportunity, and I have learned how to find which people I work best with, as well as how to be organized and coordinate things well in a short span of time, and how to assist my group within the best of my capabilities. As a coordinator, I take responsibilities for the arrangement of meetings, announcements, and all other communications for the “Bare” scene. This pleasing burden I currently carry on my shoulders has allowed me to break out of my comfort zone, perform the best I can on my part, and become a better person for the communities I belong to.

I strongly believe every mistake and hardship “team Fata Morgana” faced was worth it for the success of the GCC 34^th annual fashion show, Fata Morgana. I am so pleased to be part of this community and showcase this tremendous fashion show. Yes, the show is coming up. Only twelve days until the audience will be amazed for Fata Morgana!

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Eunice GoEun Park.

An Opportunity of a Lifetime

My name is Erica Cheman, I am enrolled in the Tourism & Hospitality degree program where I have two more semesters to complete. I waited until I had reached my 30’s to attend college and it is the best decision I have ever made. The present semester is actually my fifth because I decided to take it slow at the beginning in order to become re-acclimated into school. Genesee Community College in Arcade, New York has been perfect for me because the campus is close to where I live and work.

The experiences I have had and the opportunities available to me are more than I had ever dreamed were possible. I was nervous at first about attending college; mostly due to the thought of ambiguous situations and awkward moments. However, I have learned to challenge myself and have actually surprised myself because of the amount I have added to classroom conversations and the initiative I have taken with group projects, papers, and homework. Overall, my fellow students and the staff have been great to work with, they are all very helpful and friendly.

The greatest advice I can give is to be present and try to actively participate in every class. I have learned that by applying what I have learned into real life not only serves to make connections with the given material but helps one to remember its importance. One of my favorite classes was Management Principles because I learned a lot about who I am, why I am the person I have become, and the importance of managing oneself before attempting to manage others. Our professor also assigned fun yet challenging homework assignments such as recording a five minute conversation with another person in order to determine how we carry ourselves and how others respond to us. It was an interesting technique, but it worked!

Although being a full time student is time consuming I have learned to manage my responsibilities and my time because I love college and what it has done for me. It has opened so many doors and I am truly grateful for the experience.

This blog was Contributed by Tourism & Hospitality Student Erica Cheman.

Why GCC Is Great for Returning Adults

GCC offers flexible classes, a plethora of available courses, easily accessible campus centers, and an incredible staff. I am a returning adult studying tourism and hospitality management and without GCC I would not have had the opportunity to continue my education or to be able to advance in my career.

Top Four Reasons Why GCC Is Great For Returning Adults:

1. GCC’s flexible classes

Whether you work night or day, there are classes offered at many different times in order to accommodate your schedules.

2. Availability of courses

There are numerous degree programs you can choose from, and many classes as well! So, depending on if you want a whole new career change, or are simply just taking a few classes to learn more, the opportunity is there.

3. Close Campus Centers

There are several different GCC campus centers where you can study, some include: Batavia, Warsaw, and Arcade. This offers current, as well as potential students, more time to learn since they can pick a location that is closer and more convenient to them.

4. The Staff

The staff is amazing! Many of the GCC campuses are small, offering teachers the opportunity to have more one-on-one time with their students. The professors also bend over backwards to help their students. It is truly a community at GCC.

If you are looking to return to school or to even get a few of your major classes out of the way before moving on to a four year college GCC is definitely the place to go. Studying at GCC will lead you onto the road to success!

This blog was contributed by Tourism & Hospitality Management Student Olivia Lawrence.

Blooming Onstage

The day of GCC’s 34th annual fashion show, Fata Morgana, is coming up on April 25th. The theme Fata Morgana is inspired by beautiful deserts. However, the direct meaning of a Fata Morgana is a mirage. A mirage changes rapidly and shows us different views, and sometimes may bring unpredictable materials. Similar to a mirage, we will provide individuals with a rapidly changing view as each color of the desert blooms onstage.

For last year’s fashion show, I was in charge of the Front of the House committee. As a part of this committee, I watched and experienced many things. I was amazed to see the world that GCC students were able to create. Now, we’ll be the ones creating, and will provide viewers with a stage set to show a more fabulous world. This year, I am a part of the Front of the House Committee once again, and will support and contribute to the success of the fashion show fully. I am happy to contribute to the stage yet again as a part of this group of fashion students.

Our fashion show is coming in just a couple of weeks, and we are making steady progress in our preparations. The success of the fashion show will be made by not only our efforts, but also the audience member’s reactions while watching the show. Please don’t miss this moment! We look forward to showing you all what we have to offer.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Kaho Sugisawa.

Genesee Community College Blog

1st hand experiences from GCC students!

Committee Chaos

Create Your Success

How To Choose A Major

It’s Crunch Time!

Top Five Things I Like About Genesee Community College

My Role Within Fata Morgana

Fata Morgana: The Power Of Community

An Opportunity of a Lifetime

Why GCC Is Great for Returning Adults

Blooming Onstage

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