National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month is an awesome opportunity to get your creative juices flowing! Challenge yourself to write 50,000 words in November and write a novel. There are 10 opportunities for you to meet up with others who are participating in #NaNoWriMo at the Batavia Campus, and a final reading on Thursday December 5 in the Union! Get your writing hand ready – we’ll see you there!

MaryJane's Weblog

November is National Novel Writing Month — or NaNoWriMo for short.

The goal is to write a ‘novel’ — defined as 50,000 words — during the month of November. It won’t be a good novel, you don’t have time to edit, but having done the writing is generally a lot further than most folk get to. December and January are for editing!

Okay, to be honest, I’m not going to get 50,000 words done. Like, I have a day job and something that resembles a life. But I really, really hope to get about 25,000 words done. It’s a fun thing and having a goal like this in a group setting helps everyone.

Genesee is doing its own NaNo meet-ups. The idea is that there’s some moral support and dedicated writing time happening. We’ve set up the following events, they’re all drop-in and low-key. Come when you can, ask for help…

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Business Networking at GCC

Contributed by Emily Pelton

On Thursday, October 17, the GCC forum was filled with people from different local businesses. Each specific business had at least one person there who was there representing their company. They were there to talk to students and teachers, to network, and to discuss potential future jobs and internships. They were also there to share their own experiences and examples with students who might be interested in going into their field of work. The business that were there were Maurices, Verizon, Charles Men’s Shop, Dentino Marketing Group, GLOW area YMCA, Concentrix, Coastal Staffing, Darien Lake, Clarion Hotel and Entercom Rochester. Representatives from each group were more than happy to talk and share any information that they could.

Each company was available for the entire time to talk to each student about any questions that they might have about their company. I went and talked to each person there that was a representative. It was very enjoyable and I was able to learn a great deal about each company and each representative. I also received a large amount of pamphlets, coupons, and even candy from one table. I met some very interesting and pleasant people, and I took away at least one thing from each company that I did not know before.

Common questions that arose as students networked with the representatives were potential internships that the companies offered, and what the experience of an internship would be like. Each company had a different answer. However, their reason for offering internships, if they did offer them, was the same. The overall goal that each company has is to keep improving where they are currently at, and to continue to be successful. In order to do this, it is important to hire the right people. Internships not only help students gain hands on experience, but also allow an employer to see if they would like to hire that student. If the student is successful and well liked during the course of the internship, it is possible that they have secured themselves a job with that company. Although they each had slightly different reasons and answers for offering internships, every representative gave this overall answer as their main reason.

Students that came to this event came to gain general information about the different businesses, or for extra credit for one of their classes. However, I think that each student that came and took the time to actually network left with more than just bonus points and coupons. This event provided the chance for students to ask questions in many fields of business. There was something there for any student, whether they were a business major or not. This event provided students with the rare opportunity of seeing what their actual future career may look like. In addition to the information and handouts that were offered by each company, there was also a raffle drawing for a $50.00 gift card that was put on by the college. The winner of this drawing was Kamilah Bowens. Kamiliah is currently a business major here at GCC. This event was a great success, and is one that will be well remembered by both students and faculty in the future.

Get to Know the Resident Assistants (RA’s): Part 1

To let other students, residents, faculty, staff and anyone else that may be interested in coming to College Village, I recently asked all the RA’s a few questions. The questions that the RA’s were asked to answer included:

Why did you choose Genesee Community College?

What is your major?

Why did you decide to apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA)?

What Residence Hall are you in charge of?

What is a typical day in the life of an RA include for you?

What would you consider to be a good day? Or what would make a day good for you?

What was your favorite game as a child?

What is your favorite food?

What is your favorite season?

What do you like to do in your spare time?

This is how RA Lacey responded:

This is when she did her relief volunteer work.

I chose GCC because it was close enough to home, but far enough away to have my own independence.

My major here, just general studies, but I will be transferring for Emergency and Disaster Management.

I applied to be a RA because I wanted to make a difference. I also wanted to show people how to have that craved “college experience” without departing from the values they had before college, and partaking in things that might not exactly be safe. It can happen, and it makes your college experience so much fun.

I am in charge of Willow Hall or I building.

My typical day as a RA is basically like any other college student; I get up way too early for my liking. I go to class, do homework and eat the lovely cafeteria food. The only major difference is that I need to make sure I am constantly available to my residents or even other residents. Sometimes I have office hours or night duty shifts, but the main thing is that I need to make sure that I am ready for any situation at any point in time. It keeps you on your toes!

As for what a good day consists of: hmm, that is a tough question. I think a good day really depends on your attitude and your perspective on the situations you are dealing with. It can be the most trying day, but if you have a positive mindset, it will all work out.

My favorite game as a child was Life.

Today, my favorite food is cheese and crackers. It changes depending on my mood, ha-ha.

My favorite season is Winter.

What I like to do in my spare time is hang out with my friends, listen to music or go for walks. I’ve also recently discovered the thrill of jumping off water falls. It’s amazing!

RA Joey responded with:

This basically shows his personality!

Choosing GCC was a big decision for me. To leave home for the first time, away from my parents. I prayed about it a lot, and I knew that this was the direction God wanted me to take. He proves that to me a lot now.

I am a Digital Arts/Fine Arts Major.

Applying to be a RA was also a big decision. I already had a job, and was taking 19 credits, I mean the obvious answer was no. And that is what I told my current boss; Ellen Brokaw that it would be too much and I can’t do it. About 3 hours later I was on the phone with her telling her that I had rethought my opinion, and the next day I was an RA. God also proves to me frequently that this was a good decision.

I am in charge of B building (Beech).

A typical day for me; I get up, and I typically read my Bible. Then I go to the kitchen in search of food, and a caffeine source. Then it’s off to classes followed by office hours. This is where we sort mail, file papers, or anything that the staff needs us to do. Then I eat some dinner, which is either a salad or an entire bag of microwave vegetables. After that, I either go on duty (where I go on rounds, and distribute flyers.) or I do homework. Then it’s off to the upstairs, where I hang out with friends, and watch B-movies.

A good day is every day. A day is what it is, and you can take things positively, or negatively. All we got is today, so I say make it count.

My favorite game as a child was, Zelda: The Ocarina of Time!!! Reminds me of my best friend/my sister.

My favorite food are peanut butter tacos, with cream cheese.

My favorite season is Fall.

In my spare time I drink Chai tea, read books, play games, hang out with friends, listen to music, and create stuff.

RA Matt responded this way:

You can see him smiling around campus more so.

I didn’t choose Genesee Community College, Genesee chose me; I came here as a transfer student from another school wanting a fresh start and things just seemed to work out in my favor.

My major is Communications.

I decided to apply for the RA position because I wanted to have a positive impact on my school community and make new friends and the RA position seemed like the perfect avenue to accomplish both.

I am in charge of the Pine residence hall also known as D building.

A typical day in the life of a RA for me includes performing any jobs that need to be done around the office and/or campus; processing mail, hanging flyers, making flyers, distributing packages to resident’s, tending to any incident’s that may occur, giving tours to potential college village resident’s and attending to any questions or concerns resident’s may have.

A good day for me would be if everything went as smooth as expected and things maintained proper order.

My favorite game as a child was Super Mario Bros.

My favorite food is macaroni & cheese.

My favorite season is Spring.

In my spare time I enjoy writing/recording my own music.

Calling All Artists and Graphic Designers!

Are you an artist or graphic designer? Your work could be featured as the new cartoon version of G-Dub!

My day with Anya

On Wednesday October 23, 2013 Anya Ayoung Chee- Project Runway winner, the former Miss Tobago winner, and now entrepreneur/designer came to GCC and had an event filled day. She gave amazing advice to our students, faculty and visitors.

Anya arrived at GCC at about 9 a.m. Project Manager Candace Cooper and Professor Dudkowski greeted Anya and her assistant at the clock tower. Candace Cooper and I put together a great breakfast spread for her to enjoy. Anya and her assistant went over her PowerPoint presentation and speech until about 11:00 when we escorted her to the administration luncheon. In attendance were Professor Dudkowski, Professor Ehrhart, Dr. Kate Schienfen, Jennifer Newell, Dr. Rafael Alicea-Maldonado(Dr.Ram), Candace Cooper and I. At the luncheon there was a large salad bar (One of Anya’s favorite foods!) with a lot of variety, toppings, and sides. During the luncheon Anya talked about the opportunities she has had growing up, and gave Candace a lot of great advice from one designer to the other.

After the luncheon at 1:30 Anya went to the Rosalie “Roz” Steiner art gallery where she was interviewed by Buffalo and Batavia news anchors about her current events, and upcoming projects. Anya also posed for a few photos after her meet with Dr. James Sunser, Genesee Community College president. She spoke about her website (http://www.anyaayoungchee.com). Anya sat in her dressing room while all the students and facility members took their seats. Candace went and got our celebrity key speaker. Anya’s presentation was extremely inspiring.

Me(Ariana Sneed), Professor Ehrhart, Candace Cooper, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Professor Dudkowski (In Order) posing for pictures in our Rosalie “Roz” Steiner art gallery.

Some of the great advice she gave was (Direct quotes from Anya):

“Whether you believe it or not you have this life and just this life, and in these moments, I owe it to myself to live it all the way up.”
“Something we all have to do different at some point but like trusting that you can do it, That you are gifted and that you are extremely talented.”
“Risk being yourself fully.”
“You know it in your heart you’ll feel it, just do it.”
“Old friendships build complementary business”
“(Mentors) you offer them something as well, you inspire them, you allow them to see their strengths and so I think a mentor is so key.”

I hope you all will take the inspiration Anya is planted in me, and do whatever makes you happy. “You know it in your heart you’ll feel it, just do it.” Even if you’re not in the fashion program I hope you were able to catch Anya Ayoung-Chee’s incredible speech in T102. Anya’s a beautiful person inside and out.

“(Blogging) is a deeper way into a person’s life.” -Anya Ayoung-Chee

Anya and I in her fitting room here at GCC.

Hurry! Help to Find G-Dub and win!

G-Dub the Cougar went missing, and you can crack the case and win two tickets to the (sold out) Forum Players’ performance of Clue the Musical on 11/8!

Here’s the rules: www.bit.ly/MissingCougar

And here’s a clue:

Project Runway Winner Visits Genesee Community College

“I knew I wanted something else, something bigger,” explained Project Runway season nine winner Anya Ayoung Chee as she spoke with fashion students on campus Wednesday afternoon. Offering advice and sharing her journey in the fashion industry, Anya Ayoung Chee chose a more candid and relaxed approach to her presentation. While engaging students in conversation, Anya outlined her rise to fame from unknown to internationally acclaimed designer through the hit television program Project Runway.

Photo Credit: Howard Owens
Used with permission from The Batavian.

Growing up in Trinidad, Anya Ayoung Chee had limited career options and felt as though she was expected to pursue a traditional career by becoming a doctor or a lawyer. It wasn’t until Anya traveled to Tokyo, Japan with her family at the age of fifteen that she realized her true passion – design. Anya recounted how mesmerized she was by the technology and innovative designs illuminating the streets of Tokyo. It was this experience that influenced her in choosing to study graphic design at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City. Anya eventually left Parsons during her junior year and studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, England. Upon graduating, Anya worked a string of jobs ranging from film production studio assistant to luxury perfume packaging designer, until her life was suddenly rocked by tragedy. In 2007, Anya’s younger brother Pilar died in a tragic car accident at the age of eighteen. Following this tragedy, Anya embarked on a “soul searching” journey that eventually led her to the Miss Universe Pageant in 2008 where she represented her home country as Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe. Representing Trinidad and Tobago provided a platform for Anya to begin designing clothing and promoting her own designs. In 2011, Anya Ayoung Chee auditioned for the ninth season of Project Runway and was chosen as a contestant in the final round of casting. Anya recounted the weeks leading up to Project Runway, describing her motivation to be a part of something bigger than herself and the encouragement she felt as “almost divine.” Anya did, however, suffer a lapse of faith when she received a call from Project Runway producers and initially turned down their offer for casting in season nine, fearing she would embarrass herself and her family and friends. Eventually Anya did accept the offer from producers and the rest is history.

Anya Ayoung Chee with fashion students and professors Mr. Dudkowski and Ms. Ehrhart.

Today, Anya Ayoung Chee is working on her eponymous line in addition to her street wear line PILAR, created in memorial of her brother. Anya’s Spring/Summer 2014 line showed at fashion weeks in South Africa, New York, and London. Anya also recently launched “The Canyaval Shop” showcasing her designs inspired by Carnival which feature strong Caribbean influences. Anya Ayoung Chee is still very involved with The Tallman Foundation, a charity that her family founded in memory of her late brother, Pilar.

Anya Ayoung Chee credits much of her success to her “light-hearted approach” to the industry and her mentor who taught her everything she knows about the technical side of design. Anya offered the same advice to fashion students during her presentation: find a mentor to foster and develop skills and take calculated risks. Anya enforced the ideals of self-respect, positivity, determination, and tenacity in setting out to achieve greatness. When asked to impart her best piece of advice for young designers and professionals trying to break into the industry, Anya left students with the following words of encouragement: “Celebrate yourself and risk being yourself fully. It’s never worth not knowing.”

Anya Ayoung Chee signs autographs for fashion students following her presentation at Genesee Community College on Wednesday.

Check out some of Anya Ayoung Chee’s designs here!

G-Dub the Cougar is MISSING!

At the scene of G-Dub’s last known whereabouts, Campus Safety officers retrieved a scrap of paper with the website www.bit.ly/MissingCougar typed on it. The website introduces a game open to all students, faculty, staff and members of the community to solve the case. By attending campus events and online locations, participants receive clues to help determine who kidnapped G-Dub, how he/she did it and where G-Dub is currently being held.

Four GCC faculty and staff members have been named as suspects in the case: Director of Student Activities Cliff Scutella, Athletics Assistant Ron Spoitta, Director of Admissions Tanya Lane-Martin and First Year Experience Professor Dr. Tom Priester.

According to Campus Safety officers, all four have the means to execute the kidnapping. The website makes note of the possible weapons used in the kidnapping, such as the College Village golf cart, as well as the following four locations G-Dub could be held by the kidnapper; the Roz Steiner Art Gallery, Campus Bookstore, Fitness Center or the Alfred C. O’Connell Library.

According to the website, correctly solving the case enters participants in a raffle to win one of three prizes:

• First Prize – Two tickets to The Forum Players’ (SOLD OUT!) Clue the Musical – $40 value, Friday November 8th, 2013 at 7 p.m.

• Second Prize – Clue the board game and Clue the movie.

• Third Prize – A GCC gear basket, donated by G-Dub the Cougar.

The first prize tickets include a dine-in mystery theatre experience based on Clue, the popular board game. Comic antics, witty lyrics and a beguiling score carry the investigation as the audience, seated at tables on stage, help solve the mystery.

The GCC Forum Players joins Genesee County Mental Health Association for their performance of Clue the Musical presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. on November 8 and 9 at 7 p.m., as well as a matinee on November 10 at 2 p.m. All seats are $20, presale tickets only at the Genesee Community College Box Office, 1 College Road, Batavia NY, 14020 or by phone at (585) 343 – 0055 x6814.

Here’s a clue:

Phi Theta Kappa Hosts Third Annual “Bake for a Cure”

Genesee Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society hosted their third annual “Bake for a Cure” event this afternoon, Thursday October 17^th on campus. With the help of our members, the adviser and officer team set up a booth in the forum and sold tasty treats throughout the afternoon. Attracting hungry students and teachers alike, our annual bake sale was a huge success and we were able to raise well over $300! One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated directly to Genesee Cancer Assistance, a local organization that provides aid for those affected by cancer and their loved ones.

Tasty treats in the forum!

In addition to our baked goods, we also sold raffle tickets for donated baskets and items. Our donated raffle items included gift cards, gift baskets, jewelry, and a beautiful pink ribbon quilt handmade by lung cancer survivor Deb Levinstein.

Handmade quilt donated by Deb Levinstein.

The raffle drawing will take place at our November lunch meeting and the winners will be contacted. Thank you to everyone who donated raffle items, baked items for the sale, helped set up, and volunteered their time to work at our booth. A special thanks goes out to everyone who participated to make this year’s event a success!

gccstudentnews.wordpress.com: From WGCC:

gccstudentnews.wordpress.com: From WGCC: Play, Eat and Trick-or-Treat!: WGCC to Host Play, Eat, and Trick-or-Treat!

http://readme.readmedia.c… http://wp.me/p1j8cz-Bl

Genesee Community College Blog

1st hand experiences from GCC students!

National Novel Writing Month

Business Networking at GCC

Get to Know the Resident Assistants (RA’s): Part 1

Calling All Artists and Graphic Designers!

My day with Anya

Hurry! Help to Find G-Dub and win!

Project Runway Winner Visits Genesee Community College

G-Dub the Cougar is MISSING!

Phi Theta Kappa Hosts Third Annual “Bake for a Cure”

gccstudentnews.wordpress.com: From WGCC:

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