Mid-Semester Progress Recap with Study Abroad Coordinator, Jacob Jones (New York Fashion Study Away Program).
By | Jacob Jones
My time here in NYC has been nothing short of amazing. It started with moving in on August 17th, when I settled into my apartment (which is very small, but I live alone) in Midtown Manhattan. Living in this area has been both a blessing and a curse. I'm less than 10 blocks away from school and the Garment District, which is great not only for my schoolwork but also for my internship.
As a fashion design major, I’m taking a 6-credit studio class that has been taking up a lot of my time, but it's been incredibly fulfilling. I feel like I’ve grown a lot as a designer since being here. I’m also taking a 3-credit study tour class, where we’ve visited places like a bridal show, a showroom, and even a sustainability hub factory. Another class I’m enrolled in is a contemporary designer course, and our professor has connections with the MET and Women's Wear Daily.
One thing I’ve realized being here is that the teachers have far more industry connections than those at Kent’s main campus. This is a great study-away experience if you're really trying to break into the industry. The last class I’m taking is for my internship, which counts for credit while I’m here.
My internship has been a huge part of my NYC experience. I’m interning at an upcoming fashion house called Tanner Fletcher, which is continuously being recognized by the CFDA and other major fashion publications for their work. I work on the design and production side of the brand, but since it’s a small team, I get to be involved in almost everything. I even got to help with their presentation during Fashion Week, which was so much fun.
Outside of school and my internship, NYC has been amazing. The city is so freeing, and it really allows you to spread your wings and truly be yourself. The nightlife is great, and whatever you’re interested in, you can find here. My favorite thing to do is SHOP. I love shopping at flea markets, thrift stores, second-hand designer shops, and designer flagship stores. The clothing and shopping here are 10 times better, but also about 3 times more expensive. I know I’m financially privileged to be able to shop so often, so it’s not something everyone can do every day.
NYC is definitely expensive, but it’s an experience everyone should have. I’m not sure if it will be my forever home yet, but it’s certainly a place I’ll be coming back to—because there’s nowhere else in the world like NYC.
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