Introverts Anonymous

As Orientation is reaching it's end, I am both forlorn and ecstatic for the days ahead and the memories I have accumulated. I feel like this week every year really is a learning experience for all those who take part; being surrounded by so many new people really makes you re-evaluate your outward facade and how you present yourself as well as makes you realize how valuable your free time is. I've taken numerous leadership courses here and am proud to be a thread in the tapestry that is Pratt's community. I've known since elementary school that I'm an introvert: I am naturally shy, reserved, and often find myself feeling inferior to those around me; my alone time is insanely important for me to recover my energy and I struggle to function and find my voice in large groups (and the same goes for one-on-ones).

Growing up, I definitely found my introversion to be a disadvantage. But now that I'm surrounded by a handful of peers and superiors that align with introversion it's become less of an obstacle and has helped me with my empathetic appeal to people. Although it may not necessarily be the "favored" personality of a "leader" it is surely not without it's strengths. I live very actively in my head and I think that's why I've channeled my work so well into art. Although I can't express myself too eloquently through words (I spend hours trying to form a sentence in my mind) my mind is full of pictures. I sometimes wonder how closely my mind works compared to those around me. High school was definitely a different beast but I think that a lot of kids at Pratt struggle with the same problems as I do. I guess that's a little bit of why I've charged into leadership positions. I want to set an example for those who are like me and bring out a little bit of personality from those who may be a little to reserved to express themselves without coaxing.

Either way, I've tried to open up and be a more outgoing person. Many people are even surprised when I mention that I'm an introvert; my very best friend from high school even refused to accept it and in fact told me the other day I was a "perfectvert". I push myself far past my comfort zone every day and it's becoming a little more manageable every itty bitty step of the way. Today was the first day of school and I found myself feeling less lost than I did even last year. I can't wait to plow into my design courses and explore my artistic self deeper. I had a very small friend group in high school so it's been so exciting to be able to walk onto campus and instantly want to talk to a handful of friends.

Welcome Back to Pratt
This Year's Resolution is the same as always: Try to express yourself truer than the day before and then the day before that.

Orientation: Bring It

We've got our smiles on and are ready to orient some froshes!

It has been another insane few days; I've devoted this past and upcoming week to Pratt's Orientation program. This is probably my favorite time of the school year because, besides copious amounts of free food, students are full of excitement and don't quite have the post-apocolyptic zombie-glow that Pratt bestows upon its naive students a few weeks into the semester. Not only that but I'm cocky enough to think that I do a fine job of representing Pratt and leave a good first impression on students and parents alike. Unfortunately, I always forget how introverted I am until I enroll myself into rigorous social situations. Although I crash when I get into my bed at night evening after a long day of acting peppy, it's also pretty rewarding knowing that I'm, like, actually doing something to improve some else's experience at Pratt.

So I'm kind of excited that Barney's on my nametag...

So far everything has just been preparation for tomorrow. Although the new international students have moved in, tomorrow is when the flood of freshmen find their way to their new home. Up to this point I have been having so much fun. As I was walking to Pratt yesterday, two extremely energetic exchange students asked for directions. As I escorted them I realized they were from the school in Milan I am planning on attending in the spring. It's so funny how coincidences like that happen. So far I have had some pretty lively conversations with those two-it's getting me really pumped for the spring! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect kickoff to orientation. Of course I have a long way to go and I can only put on my Outback-hostess-smile for so long...BUT at least I'll be too preoccupied to think about fashion for a little bit. I'm happy to clear my head a bit before launching back into my studies.

Irony of a Breakup Song

 I know it's rather childish but I consider Taylor Swift one of my favorite music artists-I've seen her twice live and even got to give her an awkward hug! When I heard her new single yesterday I found it instantly stuck in my head and according to iTunes, I've listened to it over 70 times already (I listen to the same song on repeat until I hate it). That being said, the theme of the song came at an ironic point in my life.

Today was the last day of my internship and it was a "breakup" of sorts. Granted I definitely was not dissatisfied with my experience-quite the opposite actually-I just know it's time to move on with my life. And by move on I mean forced back into my responsibilities at school. Orientation Staff's first meeting was tonight so I've found myself reconciling my relationship with Pratt. This is our third year in this tumultuous relationship and I'm more hesitant than ever to jump back on this pony. But on the flip side I am so honored to go to such a prestigious school and be surrounded by such amazing minds.

Quick sketch of some of the Francis Resort dresses

If you haven't listened to the song yet....you're missing out!:

Oh, and...

just like my semester
ended and my internship began:
 with the completion of these shorts.
Christian said they were "chic"
...one of my favorite compliments, like, ever
(ignore the gross mirror stain)

Fast Times at Pratt Institute

Here comes another transition period; this weekend is the final weekend of summer for me. As I transition out of my internship I'll find myself helping the incoming freshman transition into their life at Pratt. In two weeks and some days I'll find my life once again revolving around the 2nd floor of Steuben Hall in the recently-renovated, blindingly white fashion studios. It's a pretty horrifying thought seeing as this past year has been difficult to endure but at the same time I know it's time to come to terms with my studio-phobia and see what a new year holds. If my experience at Francis has taught me anything it's that I have so much left to learn.

Last night I decided to enjoy the night with Nathan. He and I are constantly enjoying eachothers' company but yesterday was a little different; we both felt the impending end to our pleasant, low-key summer.

"dinner?"
"Shake Shack?" (our go-to)
"yeah"
"Brooklyn Bridge?"
"YEAH. Meet at 9!"

...and some how a trip to McDonalds and the Staten Island Ferry got thrown in there.

During our carefree adventure we discussed our insecurities about the future and our ambitions for life after Pratt. Graduation is closer than we ever imagined so reality is starting to kick in. Who will we still be in contact with in the coming years? Where will we be living? How will we progress as artists? as humans? as friends? I wish the future was as easy as opening a dictionary but our world is not so clearly defined. Luckily we are living in a city where dreams come true and, if all else fails, we have each other and our commitment to our crafts.

I'm almost ready for another new beginning.

Intern-al Conflict

What a week! Today has been the seventh day in a row that Christian has been blessed by my presence, lucky him. We've been working hard on completing everything for Resort 2013 before the trade show started today and in the end I've gotta say, we done good...in the end. When I visited our booth today it was FILLED with people: something I definitely was not expecting. When I finally found a quick moment to greet Christian, the first words out of his mouth was something along the lines of, "this has been the best trade show so far." I guess this is the reason we try so hard, it feels good when your efforts pay off.

busy busy busy!
guess who's idea the benches were
from Francis' fb page (because I'm awkward and didn't want to take a picture)

And when I say efforts, I mean efforts. This week I left Manhattan three times to go to the far reaches of hell Queens and Jersey, two of those times completely on my own. Last night I was verging on a breakdown because not only was my trip to Ikea a nightmare (which included a bus breakdown, a maze of children, taking the wrong bus back, a grand tour of Newark NJ, getting lost, and a cab ride from hell) but I didn't get the correct number of rugs because of a miscommunication. It was worked out but Christian oftentimes lacks a disappointment filter when he's under pressure. I'm not a dog so it should be assumed that I don't play fetch very well. That being said at least it livened up my day a little. You can't learn if you don't make mistakes!

I almost feel like my internship has come "full circle"; it started with a trade show and now it's practically ending with a trade show. Granted there is so much more I could learn but school is starting up soon and I'm going to have to resume my responsibilities at Pratt as an orientation leader, peer advisor, and above all else, a full-time student.