Batavia

5 Reasons A Summer Job Can Be Fun

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With the Spring Semester coming to an end, many of us start to think about summer vacation and what we’re going to do. For me, it’s always been to find something to keep me busy and out of trouble. That’s why for the last few years I have worked at our very own local amusement park – Darien Lake. So let me share with you my top 5 reasons a summer job can be fun, whether it be Darien Lake or another place of employment.

Number Five – Earn Money

Now, I know that we all like to earn some spending money. It also helps us to show others that we can be independent and dependable.

Number Four – Build your Resume

With a job, you’re able to add new skills and positions to your resume that could help you earn future full-time employment. Many of us don’t think that our summer jobs are important but every little bit helps in connecting your formal education with real world experience.

Number Three – Experience something new

With a summer job, you are given the opportunity to try new things. For example, you may have never wanted to lifeguard, but you could try it out at the local community center and end up loving it. You also may end up finding a hidden talent through trying something new.

Number Two – Gain New Skills

Every year I return to the same summer job at Darien Lake and every year I learn something new.

Number One – Make New Friends

To me this is the most important thing about working. I wouldn’t be returning to my summer job each year if it wasn’t for the relationships that I have formed with my fellow co-workers. It’s also important to remember that you are there to do a job, but it’s nice to be able to have someone that can relate to what’s going on at work.

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This blog was contributed by Ryan B.

GCC Creativity Conference

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Leonardo Da Vinci and creativity go hand-in-hand. Often when someone hears the name Da Vinci the first thing that comes to mind is his art, however he was much more than a brilliant painter. Leonardo Da Vinci was a scientist, an inventor, and a person who created things far beyond his time. It seems only suitable that the Creativity Conference at GCC falls on April 15th, Da Vinci’s Birthday.  There will be a Leonardo Da Vinci display set up in the library and cake will be served in honor of Da Vinci and the celebration of creativity!

This blog was contributed by Chelsey Breuilly.

A Window Into Giving thanks

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With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, many people will begin to consider what they are thankful for. For some, this may be the extra slice of pumpkin pie that they scarf down at the dinner table. I however would like to take this opportunity to state how thankful I am for everyone who has contributed to my success and well being at Genesee Community College thus far. If it were not for the careful guidance I have received from my professors, Professor Dudkowski and Professor Ehrhart, as well as from a variety of other faculty members at Genesee Community College, I would not be nearly as capable as I am today.

That being said, though Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks as the name suggests, some individuals view gathering for this holiday to be another instance in which a large family brawl may occur. These specific instances of family in-fighting at Thanksgiving dinner is what I drew my inspiration from for my latest window display at Charles Men’s Shop in Batavia. I came up with the concept of the display window acting as an actual window into a family home at Thanksgiving. I wanted it to appear as though that the men of the family had begun to fight just as the feast was beginning. I created a small table environment set with dinner utensils to give the Thanksgiving dinner feel, as well as decorated the window with Tulle fabric which acted as window curtains. I also dressed the mannequins in various stages of outerwear to suggest that a few of the men would be leaving shortly due to the fight. I had a lot of fun coming up with the concept of this window. I felt a little kooky creating such a descriptive back-story for a window display; however, Kristen and Don from Charles Men’s Shop informed me that the most successful window displays employ the same tactics.

I feel as though I’m developing a better understanding on how to create more successful displays through the use of color, balance, focal point, and even movement. I have also started attending a Visual Display class at GCC and have found that I am able to transfer many of the concepts I am learning directly into my displays at Charles Men’s Shop. I find that learning by doing inside and outside of the classroom at Genesee Community College is helping me to further my skills and better understand where I might be headed in the future.

A New Point Of View

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Charles Men’s shop is a family owned and operated business that has been Batavia’s number one choice for fine men’s clothing since the store’s creation in 1947. The store has an excellent reputation within the local community, as well as within Genesee Community College. For these reasons, I was explicitly overjoyed when offered the opportunity to intern as a visual merchandising coordinator at Charles Men’s Shop. I considered this a great opportunity to improve my skills within designing window displays, as I am set to take the visual display class in the next eight-week session at GCC.

Maggie's First Window Display at Charles Men's Shop.

Maggie’s First Window Display at Charles Men’s Shop.

Before going into set up my first window display I had very little experience doing any task of this kind. I was terrified of failing or of letting anyone down. I researched hours-upon-hours, looking at different color palettes popular for fall menswear, as well as observing a variety of window displays online. I took advice from anywhere I could get it; I was told to find a theme or direction in order to make the execution of my vision easier. I also spoke to Maggie, a current freshman in the Fashion Business Merchandising program at GCC, and current visual merchandising intern at Charles Men’s Shop. Maggie had told me that her first window theme would center around indoor fall theming which she phrased as, “Antiqued fall elegance.” Maggie captured her vision perfectly within her window space.

I however took an alternate route. I executed a theme inspired by the outdoor beauty of fall and the sense of community it can create through local sporting events and other active interests. I received a plethora of support and guidance from the Men’s shop staff, Kristen and Don, as well as from my fashion professors, Professor Dudkowski and Professor Ehrhart. I was appreciative of any constructive criticism or suggestions they had for me, as I felt lost in this brand new world. I’m still finding my way when it comes to creating displays for Charles Men’s Shop; recently I took on the task of creating a table display as well.

My First Table Display at Charles Men's Shop.

My First Table Display at Charles Men’s Shop.

Though I find this job to be challenging, I am interested and excited to strengthen valuable and necessary skill-sets within myself. If it were not for the excellent professors and connections I have access to at Genesee Community College I may never had earned an opportunity of this caliber. I am incredibly grateful to have this chance to grow, and cannot wait to see where this opportunity takes me in the not-so-far future.

Why Are We Here?

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Hey 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.

Encore2010!

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December 15 2010

This elegant evening was held  here at GCC! This event was hosted by the Genesee Community College scholarship foundation. I had the opportunity to represent Student Government as a senator.If interested in joining please feel free to stop by the SGA office located in the Student Union.The start of the next semester of SGA will begin  a recycling effort around the campus. If you are a supporter of being green please feel free to join our cause and share your ideas!  I was happy to see that GCC  theatre students volunteering for this exquisite event, full of enthusiasm and sophistication. The night began with a cheese and wine tasting. Guests were welcomed by the GCC family with open arms. AVI food service served a scrumptious meal. It was a serve yourself style with a variety of food that any food pallet would enjoy. The employees were very prompt and professional. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performed a mix of holiday selections. The audience members were filled with the holiday spirit by this beautiful music. Emily Hellenbrook ,a 16 year old “vocal prodigy” , gave a great performance on several songs. Viewing performances always inspires me to dream big and create my own versions of artistic expression. Holiday performances keep the magic and spirit of the season alive! Art promotes critical thinking skills and  creates change in our society.

Encore Photos

 

“What I am looking for is not out there, it is in me.”

— Helen Keller

What does “SUCCESS” mean to you?

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Hey Ebony here stating her opinion.

We live in a world where we are judge by our success through other people. Society tell us how to live our lives, and tells us what we need to do in order to be titled as “SUCCESSFUL”. Many people may feel unsuccessful because they have not met society’s standards.

What do you hear all the time? “Make sure you go to college to get an education, a good job, and be successful”, do we really have to go to college to be successful? Do we really have to pay other people to measure how smart we are?

There are a lot of people who attended college and have gotten their bachelors, masters, and/or PhDs but do not have anything to show for it other than thousands of dollars worth of loans they have to pay back. While there are some people who never went to school and have all the qualifications and required knowledge, but do not have that stamped paper to prove it.

I do not have anything against college because obviously I’m here. I am here because I WANT TO BE and I feel I should be here to satisfy myself and my own needs, not others. Many of my friends and I have these group discussion about the measurement of success all the time. Some of them aren’t happy, some say they are here because their friends are in college, or their parents made them, and some just say “I don’t know”.

We should measure our own level of success and not let other people create our lives. Some people don’t really know the real reason why they go to school. Maybe it makes them feel bigger and better than the people who do not have a diploma.

How do you measure your level of success?

Some people can measure their level of success by

  • Getting a B+ on an exam
  • Spending time with their families
  • Being a stay at home mom or dad
  • Graduating high school
  • Getting a college degree
  • Finishing a project that has been sitting on their desk for years
  • Doing volunteer work and helping other people
  • Buying a house or a new car
  • Paying off debt

My bottom line is live up to your own expectations; do not let other people tell you how to live your life and measure your level of success for you. Ask yourself “AM I SATISFIED?”

What do you think and what makes you feel successful?

Would you Kill your bunny for your lipstick?

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Hey it’s Kiley and today I’m here to inform you on a hot issue:

I have recently purchased an eyeshadow palette online from BH Cosmetics, I happily read that these beauty products were not tested on animals. My favorite make-up brand, URBAN DECAY, is not only a cruelty-free company, but also has a vegan make-up line. I think it’s important to spend money on quality products that advocate cruelty-free products.

Animal testing specifically  in cosmetic products is a horrifying truth that is swept under the rug.The truth is many beauty products kill to guarantee greater satisfaction to their customers. Helpless bunny rabbits suffer every year in labs just to ensure that a women’s canvas skin or eyes will not irritate when using cosmetics. Are these animals dieing in vain,or rather for people who have vain. If the consequence is pain to a gentle creature shouldn’t we search for alternative methods or stick with ingredients that we know are safe. Is it human nature to exploit the weak? This is why I choose products that are cruelty-free. I experienced firsthand the democratization of information by researching products that do test on animals. Their are several claims that that L’OREAL and Procter and Gamble products like CoverGirl, Max Factor, and Physique. I search the websites and eventually decided to call both companies to receive the information I desired. L’OREAL claimed they, “would send me information concerning use of animal testing in the mail”. Procter and Gamble said they would send me an email and claimed their absolute finished product is not tested on animals. People deserve to be aware if products are tested or not because this issue extends to morals and ethical issues.

Products that don’t test on animals:

URBAN DECAY

Alima Cosmetics, Inc

ALMAY

Avon products

BARE ESCENTIALS

Bath and Body works

Bobbi Brown

To name a few!



Stop animal tests!

“You can take from every experience what it has to offer you.
And you cannot be defeated if you just keep taking one breath
followed by another.”

— Oprah Winfrey

Tis’ The Season.

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Hey it’s been a tick too long! I changed my hair and at first it was fluorescent orange, but thankfully it has calmed down. This year I’ve learned to not sweat the small stuff, even if the mistake costs you $115.

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This Thanksgiving was unlike any I’ve experienced. I embraced a Puerto Rican Thanksgiving. This was a bit of a culture shock. The celebration was filled with people switching from Spanish to English, a language barrier. The entertainment was Spanish television. Their was common ground however, delish food and wonderful loving people to share it with. Picture this: rice and gandules, pasteles, stuffed turkey, seafood salad, coquito(coconut holiday drink), and flan and pumpkin flan. A wonderful arrangement of traditional ethnic foods with a pinch of America sealed at the seams.You could say that this was a bit of a non-conventional holiday for me, but it proved to be a great learning experience. Every culture embodies different value systems, languages, and non-verbal communication styles. It’s a persons job to break through these barriers or differences and find common ground. People must learn,embrace, and grow from new perspectives. To do this one must overcome challenges and obstacles in order to effectively communicate. Many individuals give up stating they feel “uncomfortable” or “lack the patience”. I encourage you to go out of your way to explore a world beyond that “safe bubble”. My father and I are planing a trip to Puerto Rico after graduation, this will be an adventure I will not forget.Do you have a future trip or unusual holiday experience to share?

I latter had the traditional Conklin celebration. The best part of my voyage home was seeing my grams.She made me the most delicious coconut cream pie! My grams has passed down much of her wisdom to me and I am truly blessed to be able to spend the holiday with her. My sister and her-soon-to-be- husband gave me a fab awaited birthday gift. Traditions are often overlooked or taken for granted, but this year was different for me. It made me realize holidays weren’t always rushed, materialistic, and hassles.  If spent with the right people they could be bliss.Holiday’s I enjoy are filled with laughter and stories of both the good and bad times.These memories have made my family an interesting bunch.  What are some of your family traditions?

“Spend eighty percent of your time focusing on the
opportunities of tomorrow rather than the problems of
yesterday.”

— Brian Tracy

The End is Near

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Wow, the end is near and so many things has happened. I’ve met a lot of new people, had some great experiences and some bad, however I’ve learned a lot a long the way.

Now it’s time to go home for thanksgiving. Then it will be time to go home for winter recess, and before you know it, we are going to be starting a whole new semester.

This was actually an interesting semester for me; I was more involved than I would normally be in school.  I’ve surrounded myself around fun, energetic, goal oriented, and intelligent people. I’ve stood out as a leader, and tried to bring forth unity on campus.

Working in MarCom (marketing/communication) taught me a lot, and allowed me to show off my communicative competence. I’m also happy to be apart of this wonderful blog, and work with such wonderful people.

we all LEARN TO GROW and GROW TO LEARN!