Thursday was a sunny day and standing on the platform waiting for the 6express, I suddenly got a wave of love for what I am doing. The last few days had been somewhat difficult for me emotionally; I had a few other, more secure opportunities, open up recently and I was torn at the thought of possibly having to make such a big decision so soon. Sonia had also sent in an email for us to bring our laptops to work...but ugh, I don't have one, and honestly can't afford one. I may buy an old one off a friend or just ask Tio for his to borrow next week. But truth is I am kind of embarrassed to ask. It got me down a bit...but for today I decided just to focus on what was in front of me and conquer it as best I could. I knew it would be a long day, but I was optimistic.
The approach of the 6 looked like a metal caterpillar, slithering closer with each unit contracting in a smooth unison, up and around the turns. I thought about how once the train got underground, it would look more like a speeding bullet then the insect it resembled now.
I ended up getting to work about 15mins early again. The trains lined up perfectly. I sat outside the suite and fixed my boots. I made the mistake of wearing ankle sucks that my boots swallowed at every opportunity.They were Ugg knockoffs that my cousin gave me. I swore on life I would never own a pair (and technically I still don't), most likely because the girls I saw in Tallahassee wore them with bare legs and skirts, undermining their purpose. I have to admit, they are warm though. After fidgeting with them for about two minutes, I noticed it was ten to ten. I vacillated over coffee for two minutes and finally gave in. I managed to get my white chocolate mocha and make it back right on time.
When I came in and started taking off my extras (coat, scarf, etc.), I noticed a dog bed and water bowl. I stopped and stared for a second, a tad confused. Minutes later my answer arrived. Cathy, the head of the office, walked in with an adorable dog, a big 8month old labrador-collie-looking mix. This in a strange way made my day. The thought that this was not normal in an office only crossed my mind for a second...his presence was comfort. I missed having Mona at my feet and trotting about all day. So even if he was just sleeping, I felt more natural when he was there. He was clutsy on his feet and had an apprehensive curiousity. What seemed like her boyfriend came in for a few hours around lunch time. He commanded the dog to do simple tricks and we chatted a bit about dogs in general while I worked on a task. I even had a chance to conversate with Cathy while I waited for print outs.
My tasks for that day were varied; of course, there was the mailouts that still weren't finished. Completing these presented a new adminitrative task I had never done: changing an ink catridge. Some may wonder why a 23 year old who has had varied job experience never changed an ink catridge. The only real explanation I can provide is that I maybe had a working printer in college for about a month. Of course, I never let on that this was a new and strange experience for me. I just looked at the display pictures and replicated them and then, success! An administrative milestone, I had to laugh at myself.
Afterward they said I could go to lunch since they had nothing else set up (thanks to my inability to provide a laptop...great). I wasn't practicularly hungry, so I decided to wonder a bit. I asked the security guard if there was an internet cafe nearbye and he told me there was one that was part of a bookstore and gave me directions. It was independtly owned and charming. I wanted to read everything I saw, but that always happens with me and bookstores. I didn't realize how long I was in there (about 30mins) and still had to eat something. I grabbed some independent newspapers and magazines on the way out and stopped at hotdog stand. I had found my first favorite place in NYC.
When I got back I had to change the shoes on the male mannequin. Another new task. This one was particularly hilarious, especially if you happened to catch a glimpse of my struggle. The shoes were a brand we no longer represented, so we had to switch them for Pointers. The first set of Pointers refused to go on, even without laces. At one point I tried to stand him up and force his foot in but failed. Upon lowering him down to the floor I lost my grip and well...dropped him some. The drop made a loud thud and drew some "what was that"s...I yelled that we were okay, even though I dislocated his shoulder. I finally gave up and said they didn't fit, so they got me another pair. This molestation was not as bad. The shoes came on with a few bangs on the heel, a technique I learned as a trainer to check for broken bones. I had broken a sweat. The other intern laughed and said I look like a mortician. The boyfriend gave out a "wow that sucks." I was very relieved when it was over. The shoes turned out to be my first free perk of the job; they were my cousin's size so they said I could have them.
More folder duty called and I answered. I also helped Sonia contact stores whose emails were bouncing back. While she gathered names I helped another intern put together the huge print out of the seating chart/arrangement. I was eating an apple and noticed Winslow (the puppy) watching me when I first started eating it. Sure enough, when I got up to help, Winslow took a licking to my apple. Mia laughed and asked whose it was because she was going to throw it away thanks to recent slobber fest he gave it. Though I was hungry at that point and the apple was delicious, the whole thing was cute and reminded me of Mona.
And just like that the day was done...well that part of the day at least. I still was going to help Tio at the club that night with email sign ups and door work. I bumped in the "dancing guy" on the train ride home again and found he is only a stop before me. As much as it is a little weird, at least he takes full advantage of his time. I worked at the club until 10:30pm. I came home exhuasted, but at least got a few free drinks, dinner, and some money out of the day...oh yeah...and a free pair of shoes thanks to the cooperation (more like the slight cooperation) of a molested mannequin.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Day II-Getting Into the Routine
I woke up tired again because I'm still not adjusted to everything yet. I craved coffee from the second I woke up but fought it. I don't want to get how I used to during finals week & am trying to do things to increase my natural energy levels. I knew at some point I would want something, but I decided against it first thing in the morning; since I hadn't had coffee regularly in awhile I knew it would really wake me up but once it wore off I'd be sleepy. My tio (uncle in Spanish, it is getting weird for me to write "uncle") diligently knocked on my door at 7:03am. I rolled out of bed about 10mins later to my alarm clock. While I was walking to the bathroom, he told me he made pancakes and turkey bacon. Though I'm not one to eat food so early, I knew I should. It would wake me up and keep me full for longer. So after waking myself with my normal a.m. bathroom routine I sat down.
My cousin gave me a big bag to carry all my stuff down to work. It was stuffed with everything I might need for the day...lotion, snacks, a winter hat, etc. I figured out my outfit and then took part of it off and also put it in my bag. It is common here to change at work and wear w/e you need to wear to stay warm until you get there. We were off around 8:15am. My tio drove me to the closest train stop because he had to go to work nearbye, which was great because it saved me a bus trip and a longer commute. It was the first time I went to work completely on my own. He made me repeat my route just in case I forgot. I caught the train around 8:45am and read Marley & Me almost the whole way (great book, I recommend it...I have a very "special" dog too).
I got to Broadway and Prince around 9:40am, 20mins early, so I decided to check out Dean & Deluca. When I walked in, it dawned on me that this was the same company I used to see on Felicity. I chuckled because I never knew it was a real company...guess I never made the connection. I decided against coffee again and decided to just go in a little early and get settled. When I got to our suite, a girl was sitting on one of the window ledges by the door. I asked her if she was waiting to go in and she said she was going to go in but wasn't waiting. I introduced myself and asked if she was an intern. She said yes and went back on to fiddling with her phone. She was not as nice as the intern I met on my first day.
My "supervisor's" per say were not there yet. Jane, the PR person, advised me that they are usually a little late. I figured it would look good that I was there early, so I just waited until they got there. I tried to strike up conversation with the other intern all day, but she was just not that friendly. The most I got was that she was from Maryland, started right before the holidays, and was already bored with the internship. Bored? Why would you admit that...I figured it would be better for me because her lack of interest was noticable. This is a business of getting ahead and standing out, and even if I had a menial task I was commiteed to doing it the best it could be done and with a smile on my face. People notice those kind of things. Intiative it key.
For example: My first task was to steam some of the showroom clothes. I have never steamed anything in my entire life (aside from hanging up clothes in the bathroom while I take a hot shower, but I'm sure that doesn't count), but I never told them that. I let them show me how to use the steamer and how they suggested I do it. So I just copied them and took my time. They told me it was best to go from the inside, which I did for the most part, until I would burn my fingers. Then I would just do the outside. The other intern played with her phone while I was doing this and flipping through a magazine. While I was finishing, some of the employees came in again with Starbucks. I knew I was in trouble...I asked them where the Starbucks was for future reference and they told me it was off Spring Street. I quickly went through my memory of last trip around the area and knew it was nearbye, just not sure in what direction. They said because I was done and they needed about 20mins to get me set up, I could go grab some. I knew I had money on my giftcard and finally gave in to my need for caffeine. Of course, I went one block in the wrong direction and got lucky in guessing which way to go once I got to Spring Street.
Once I got back, they asked me to merchandise the bag and Pointer display and dust it. I climbed up on stool and took my time in figuring out the best way the bags would look. Then I dusted the little shelves/cubicles the shoes were in and made sure they were all facing the right direction. At that time buyers came in, so once I was done I hung in the office until they were finished. I also had a conversation with the PR girl and told her about how I got here/what I've done. She asked me some questions about my interests etc., and told me if I had any questions about anything she could help. My next task took me the majority of the day, literally. All the brand appointment folders were not complete; some were missing forms, other buiness cards, etc. Sonia asked me to make sure each brand had around 20-25 prepared folders. Obviously upon observation, I noticed a ton of discrepancies in forms and consistency. So I pointed them out...I did not finish the whole project until around 4:15pm but they were very thankful for my attention to detail. (We ordered in luch from this place called Lite Delights with great prices. I got a HUGE tuna melt that I couldn't finish and brought home for $4 and change. I did forget that coffee and tuna are not the best things to mix in the same day & I suffered stomach cramps for doing it) A few times they thanked me for pointing things out and asking them what I should do about certain things I noticed. My fingers were hurting & I hoped I could do something not having to do with paper onceI finished...but of course I did. Next came preparing mail outs like I had before with order forms and line sheets. The printer ran out of paper (which I was a bit relieved about), so I didn't have to stuff all the envelopes. I was free to go right at 6pm. The coffee had definitely worn off about an hour before.
Then back on the train to the Bronx where tio picked me up from the station. Luckily I did not have to work the next day and would have a chance to catch up on missed sleep/rest, which is exactly what I did. =)
My cousin gave me a big bag to carry all my stuff down to work. It was stuffed with everything I might need for the day...lotion, snacks, a winter hat, etc. I figured out my outfit and then took part of it off and also put it in my bag. It is common here to change at work and wear w/e you need to wear to stay warm until you get there. We were off around 8:15am. My tio drove me to the closest train stop because he had to go to work nearbye, which was great because it saved me a bus trip and a longer commute. It was the first time I went to work completely on my own. He made me repeat my route just in case I forgot. I caught the train around 8:45am and read Marley & Me almost the whole way (great book, I recommend it...I have a very "special" dog too).
I got to Broadway and Prince around 9:40am, 20mins early, so I decided to check out Dean & Deluca. When I walked in, it dawned on me that this was the same company I used to see on Felicity. I chuckled because I never knew it was a real company...guess I never made the connection. I decided against coffee again and decided to just go in a little early and get settled. When I got to our suite, a girl was sitting on one of the window ledges by the door. I asked her if she was waiting to go in and she said she was going to go in but wasn't waiting. I introduced myself and asked if she was an intern. She said yes and went back on to fiddling with her phone. She was not as nice as the intern I met on my first day.
My "supervisor's" per say were not there yet. Jane, the PR person, advised me that they are usually a little late. I figured it would look good that I was there early, so I just waited until they got there. I tried to strike up conversation with the other intern all day, but she was just not that friendly. The most I got was that she was from Maryland, started right before the holidays, and was already bored with the internship. Bored? Why would you admit that...I figured it would be better for me because her lack of interest was noticable. This is a business of getting ahead and standing out, and even if I had a menial task I was commiteed to doing it the best it could be done and with a smile on my face. People notice those kind of things. Intiative it key.
For example: My first task was to steam some of the showroom clothes. I have never steamed anything in my entire life (aside from hanging up clothes in the bathroom while I take a hot shower, but I'm sure that doesn't count), but I never told them that. I let them show me how to use the steamer and how they suggested I do it. So I just copied them and took my time. They told me it was best to go from the inside, which I did for the most part, until I would burn my fingers. Then I would just do the outside. The other intern played with her phone while I was doing this and flipping through a magazine. While I was finishing, some of the employees came in again with Starbucks. I knew I was in trouble...I asked them where the Starbucks was for future reference and they told me it was off Spring Street. I quickly went through my memory of last trip around the area and knew it was nearbye, just not sure in what direction. They said because I was done and they needed about 20mins to get me set up, I could go grab some. I knew I had money on my giftcard and finally gave in to my need for caffeine. Of course, I went one block in the wrong direction and got lucky in guessing which way to go once I got to Spring Street.
Once I got back, they asked me to merchandise the bag and Pointer display and dust it. I climbed up on stool and took my time in figuring out the best way the bags would look. Then I dusted the little shelves/cubicles the shoes were in and made sure they were all facing the right direction. At that time buyers came in, so once I was done I hung in the office until they were finished. I also had a conversation with the PR girl and told her about how I got here/what I've done. She asked me some questions about my interests etc., and told me if I had any questions about anything she could help. My next task took me the majority of the day, literally. All the brand appointment folders were not complete; some were missing forms, other buiness cards, etc. Sonia asked me to make sure each brand had around 20-25 prepared folders. Obviously upon observation, I noticed a ton of discrepancies in forms and consistency. So I pointed them out...I did not finish the whole project until around 4:15pm but they were very thankful for my attention to detail. (We ordered in luch from this place called Lite Delights with great prices. I got a HUGE tuna melt that I couldn't finish and brought home for $4 and change. I did forget that coffee and tuna are not the best things to mix in the same day & I suffered stomach cramps for doing it) A few times they thanked me for pointing things out and asking them what I should do about certain things I noticed. My fingers were hurting & I hoped I could do something not having to do with paper onceI finished...but of course I did. Next came preparing mail outs like I had before with order forms and line sheets. The printer ran out of paper (which I was a bit relieved about), so I didn't have to stuff all the envelopes. I was free to go right at 6pm. The coffee had definitely worn off about an hour before.
Then back on the train to the Bronx where tio picked me up from the station. Luckily I did not have to work the next day and would have a chance to catch up on missed sleep/rest, which is exactly what I did. =)
Friday, January 23, 2009
The First Day
So the day started off at 7:00am when my alarm went off. I was tired. I'm still not adjusted to a normal schedule, since the holiday break had broken my sleeping pattern.
I had no idea what to wear. They said casual but no sneakers. So I was supposed to stay warm, look cute, but not too laid back...I changed my outfit twice. I settled on skinny jeans, a wood green short sweater and black ballerina flats. I decided not to straighten my hair and put the natural curls up with my baby hump. I hoped it would pass cause I thought I looked cute...but who knows with the fashion world...
When we got to the car (my uncle wanted to accompany me the first day which I beyond appreciated), the car would not start (he had left the light on the night before). He started freaking out and called a friend. The whole ordeal lasted about 20-30mins. But I stayed calm, stuff like this happened to me all the time. My ex always teased me about leaving my lights on and killing my battery. I figured it would make a good story.
The story got better when we got to the bridge leading to the trains and it was up. My uncle insisted that they were never up doing rush hour because it backs up traffic, which it did very successfully. He freaked some more after waiting 5mins and pulled out of the lane and in the opposite direction to go around another way. It was about 9:15am. I was supposed to be there at 10.
We finally got to the station and on the train at 9:30am. He couldn't believe how calm I was in comparison to how frantic he was. "It's your first day, I can't believe this is happening." But I figured they would understand.
We took the 6 to 125th, got on the express (4 or 5) to 14th, then the R to Prince Street, getting out on the NW corner (I've repeated so many times in my head so I wouldn't get lost). And suddenly I was in the famous SoHo on Broadway. Even he said "Oh this is cool" & he has lived here almost his whole life. Both stops were right next to my building.
I went upstairs to the third floor. The building was really nice...hardword floors, high ceilings, bright lights...I loved it already.
When I got there, everyone introduced themselves. They asked if I had trouble finding it, and I joked no, just had trouble getting there. I think I am the only one not from the city. Though not a big suite it was very sheek. Everyone was young and obviously in style. I wondered how they perceived me but I knew I would be judged by my work ethic more then anything. That "not a city girl in the NY way but in the Miami way" started to sink in but I shook it off. I was shown all the new and old collections, which were for press only, and which were for sales. They showed me where things were, etc and we talked a bit. First days are always weird, no matter were you work, but everyone seemed nice. Mia, the women who hired me and who I had communicated with, had made a bread pudding and brought it in for everyone. As stupid as this may sound, it was comforting. It showed that everyone was somewhat close and thoughtful of one another. After all it was a small office, no more then 10 people in there at a time. And it tasted fantastic!
Then I got to work. And didn't stop until I left. They had me begin by securing the labels on one the show brands they represented: Pointer. Stapling the labels into the shoes was not as easy as it originally sounded. Afterward, they had me prep the appointment folders for Dunderdon. I put business cards and collection sheets in each folder. Then when I finished that, they got me started on prepping mailings for different stores. They would be sending out look books, order forms, and business cards to stores across the country and in the area. Once I was done with the first set, they let me go to lunch. Around that time, another new intern came in from NYU. She was very friendly and were both were obviously happy we weren't the only newbies.
I walked around for a bit and didn't find too many places to eat on the main road (Broadway) and I didn't want to venture to far off on my first day. I found the SoHo Cafe about two blocks away and on my budget, ordered a burger (which was huge) for $6.50 and a V8 for $2.50. A $10 treat for lunch; from now on it'd have to be cheaper or I'd have to bring lunch. I had already spent $20 on a subway card. Like I said...I'm an everyday girl on a everyday budget. =)
Once I got back around 2:15pm I finished the last of the mailings. Then I was sent to deliver the local ones to four stores within walking distance. After the first one, I didn't realize I was on the right street to head to the next one. I ended up walking about six blocks in the wrong direction to walk six blocks back, and basically make a big circle. I couldn't help but laugh at myself and take it as a learning experience. I even started to recognize streets my cousin had taken me to about a year before. I made all the deliveries but my feet were freezing and I was tired. One guy in a store wasn't very nice in helping me, I felt like flicking him off but just said thanks and went to the barely visible store politely. Another store was under the actual building and I had to search for a stairway.
Once I got back it was time to prep for the Karen Walker show. We had to re-stuff the invitations to the right side and then stuff what was left. The invitations were girly but unique, with a sqaure shape. The task became a bit mindless after awhile and we were finally let go around 6:15pm. I was beat. I found out that the show was on Valentine's Day, which though exciting, hampered any romantic possibilities.
My first time alone on the train was pretty quick and easy. I had memorized which way to go after hearing my uncle repeat it to me about 20 times. The R was PACKED, but once we went uptown it lessened. It took about 45mins. And you do see crazy things on there. I wished other places I had lived had such organized and well timed public transportation. I remember not having a car in college and having to ride the bus anywhere took forever. An hour just to go a few miles. This was actually relieving.
Once I got above ground I called my uncle to pick me up at the station. He DJ's a Latin night at a club and informed me he would be putting me to work. My body and feet weaped but I knew I needed the money and it was generous of him to think of me. They order food every Thursday and I had a healthy and delicious share of pepper steak and yellow rice once I got to the club. Actually, a double sharing. Then I helped them sign up people for their email list for about two hours. By 10:30 I wanted to pass out and he took me home.
I finally showered and this time had no problems falling asleep. Today I didn't roll out of bed til noon. No internship until next Tuesday (I work 2-3 times a week). I spent all day today joining networks and applying for part time jobs. This is "The City" on a hustle.
I had no idea what to wear. They said casual but no sneakers. So I was supposed to stay warm, look cute, but not too laid back...I changed my outfit twice. I settled on skinny jeans, a wood green short sweater and black ballerina flats. I decided not to straighten my hair and put the natural curls up with my baby hump. I hoped it would pass cause I thought I looked cute...but who knows with the fashion world...
When we got to the car (my uncle wanted to accompany me the first day which I beyond appreciated), the car would not start (he had left the light on the night before). He started freaking out and called a friend. The whole ordeal lasted about 20-30mins. But I stayed calm, stuff like this happened to me all the time. My ex always teased me about leaving my lights on and killing my battery. I figured it would make a good story.
The story got better when we got to the bridge leading to the trains and it was up. My uncle insisted that they were never up doing rush hour because it backs up traffic, which it did very successfully. He freaked some more after waiting 5mins and pulled out of the lane and in the opposite direction to go around another way. It was about 9:15am. I was supposed to be there at 10.
We finally got to the station and on the train at 9:30am. He couldn't believe how calm I was in comparison to how frantic he was. "It's your first day, I can't believe this is happening." But I figured they would understand.
We took the 6 to 125th, got on the express (4 or 5) to 14th, then the R to Prince Street, getting out on the NW corner (I've repeated so many times in my head so I wouldn't get lost). And suddenly I was in the famous SoHo on Broadway. Even he said "Oh this is cool" & he has lived here almost his whole life. Both stops were right next to my building.
I went upstairs to the third floor. The building was really nice...hardword floors, high ceilings, bright lights...I loved it already.
When I got there, everyone introduced themselves. They asked if I had trouble finding it, and I joked no, just had trouble getting there. I think I am the only one not from the city. Though not a big suite it was very sheek. Everyone was young and obviously in style. I wondered how they perceived me but I knew I would be judged by my work ethic more then anything. That "not a city girl in the NY way but in the Miami way" started to sink in but I shook it off. I was shown all the new and old collections, which were for press only, and which were for sales. They showed me where things were, etc and we talked a bit. First days are always weird, no matter were you work, but everyone seemed nice. Mia, the women who hired me and who I had communicated with, had made a bread pudding and brought it in for everyone. As stupid as this may sound, it was comforting. It showed that everyone was somewhat close and thoughtful of one another. After all it was a small office, no more then 10 people in there at a time. And it tasted fantastic!
Then I got to work. And didn't stop until I left. They had me begin by securing the labels on one the show brands they represented: Pointer. Stapling the labels into the shoes was not as easy as it originally sounded. Afterward, they had me prep the appointment folders for Dunderdon. I put business cards and collection sheets in each folder. Then when I finished that, they got me started on prepping mailings for different stores. They would be sending out look books, order forms, and business cards to stores across the country and in the area. Once I was done with the first set, they let me go to lunch. Around that time, another new intern came in from NYU. She was very friendly and were both were obviously happy we weren't the only newbies.
I walked around for a bit and didn't find too many places to eat on the main road (Broadway) and I didn't want to venture to far off on my first day. I found the SoHo Cafe about two blocks away and on my budget, ordered a burger (which was huge) for $6.50 and a V8 for $2.50. A $10 treat for lunch; from now on it'd have to be cheaper or I'd have to bring lunch. I had already spent $20 on a subway card. Like I said...I'm an everyday girl on a everyday budget. =)
Once I got back around 2:15pm I finished the last of the mailings. Then I was sent to deliver the local ones to four stores within walking distance. After the first one, I didn't realize I was on the right street to head to the next one. I ended up walking about six blocks in the wrong direction to walk six blocks back, and basically make a big circle. I couldn't help but laugh at myself and take it as a learning experience. I even started to recognize streets my cousin had taken me to about a year before. I made all the deliveries but my feet were freezing and I was tired. One guy in a store wasn't very nice in helping me, I felt like flicking him off but just said thanks and went to the barely visible store politely. Another store was under the actual building and I had to search for a stairway.
Once I got back it was time to prep for the Karen Walker show. We had to re-stuff the invitations to the right side and then stuff what was left. The invitations were girly but unique, with a sqaure shape. The task became a bit mindless after awhile and we were finally let go around 6:15pm. I was beat. I found out that the show was on Valentine's Day, which though exciting, hampered any romantic possibilities.
My first time alone on the train was pretty quick and easy. I had memorized which way to go after hearing my uncle repeat it to me about 20 times. The R was PACKED, but once we went uptown it lessened. It took about 45mins. And you do see crazy things on there. I wished other places I had lived had such organized and well timed public transportation. I remember not having a car in college and having to ride the bus anywhere took forever. An hour just to go a few miles. This was actually relieving.
Once I got above ground I called my uncle to pick me up at the station. He DJ's a Latin night at a club and informed me he would be putting me to work. My body and feet weaped but I knew I needed the money and it was generous of him to think of me. They order food every Thursday and I had a healthy and delicious share of pepper steak and yellow rice once I got to the club. Actually, a double sharing. Then I helped them sign up people for their email list for about two hours. By 10:30 I wanted to pass out and he took me home.
I finally showered and this time had no problems falling asleep. Today I didn't roll out of bed til noon. No internship until next Tuesday (I work 2-3 times a week). I spent all day today joining networks and applying for part time jobs. This is "The City" on a hustle.
Arriving in NY
It started to hit me when I looked out the window and saw the Statue of Liberty & Downtown NYC in the airplane window. I had been to NY almost every year to visit family but it took on new meaning. It began to feel like a place of opportunity, not just admiration.
The lower we got, I noticed the blanket of white everywhere. Snow. Not palm trees or turquoise beaches. It also hit me that I'm going to be colder then I have ever been in my whole life.
My uncle picked me up excited to see me & my first and only wool coat. Though a graduate & with my issues about how a college degree still to this day has not landed me a job offer, I wore my FSU sweat shirt underneath proudly. It had been a conversation starter with strangers in line for coffee in the past and I hoped it may bring me luck here too. I had already found the alum club for the area too.
We dropped off my stuff at his house and he assured me all day, that no matter what I needed I was at home. He drove me around the bus routes I would be taking and the train stops (the six train, move over J.Lo!). Then we went to the supermarket to pick up a few things. I finally came home and unpacked my stuff. I was excited but tired. I could not help but feel like a bit of a nomad; my apartment in Tallahassee, my parents and dog in South Florida, my opportunity in NY. I felt scattered.
The first night was tough. I wasn't used to the sounds the heater made through the walls. The ticking clock drove me so crazy I had to pull it off the wall. My dog wasn't at my feet...it was different. The last time I looked at my phone was around 1:30am; soon after I'm assuming my thoughts stopped racing and I fell asleep.
The lower we got, I noticed the blanket of white everywhere. Snow. Not palm trees or turquoise beaches. It also hit me that I'm going to be colder then I have ever been in my whole life.
My uncle picked me up excited to see me & my first and only wool coat. Though a graduate & with my issues about how a college degree still to this day has not landed me a job offer, I wore my FSU sweat shirt underneath proudly. It had been a conversation starter with strangers in line for coffee in the past and I hoped it may bring me luck here too. I had already found the alum club for the area too.
We dropped off my stuff at his house and he assured me all day, that no matter what I needed I was at home. He drove me around the bus routes I would be taking and the train stops (the six train, move over J.Lo!). Then we went to the supermarket to pick up a few things. I finally came home and unpacked my stuff. I was excited but tired. I could not help but feel like a bit of a nomad; my apartment in Tallahassee, my parents and dog in South Florida, my opportunity in NY. I felt scattered.
The first night was tough. I wasn't used to the sounds the heater made through the walls. The ticking clock drove me so crazy I had to pull it off the wall. My dog wasn't at my feet...it was different. The last time I looked at my phone was around 1:30am; soon after I'm assuming my thoughts stopped racing and I fell asleep.
How I found it...
When I told people about getting an internship in NYC, so many people asked me how I got the position. My answer was quite simple: I looked. I looked and looked and looked, hours upon hours until my eyes where bloodshot from staring at an LCD screen. I had thought that my dream of working and living in NY were to remain only that, a dream. What was the likelihood of a girl from South Florida who went to school in Tallahassee of landing that spot? Well it happened and it did because I never stopped trying.
I had always had an interest in fashion. I'm a junky for the TV shows; Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, The Hills/The City (I know, kill me), What Not to Wear, How Do I Look?, etc. I always had the desire to participate but did not feel as though I "belonged" in that world. After all, though I loved to admire, I was your everyday girl on an everyday budget. I shopped at Marshall's. Big names were a treat and only on the clearance/sales rack. I was okay with that world; it taught me discipline and the difference between necessity and wants. I wouldn't say I envied the label bearing sorority girls (no hate on them, I'm in one to..Theta Nu Xi =) ) on campus (we came from two different worlds) but I always thought "man it must be nice." I remember having a class with one girl who did an internship with Teen Vogue; she was such a bimbo I couldn't understand how she landed it. "Must be nice" I would say and continued on with the day.
That interest, one night after watching some show, led me to search. I had just graduated from FSU in December and had been job searching over the holidays, and decided, why not look for internships? The truth is, the market is horrible and very few places are willing to pay you for the experience they expect you to already have (especially in public relations). It's unfortunate that so many schools think that their name will get you where you think you need to be, and my college (with their "limited access" program) did to. Interning wasn't required and they didn't push me to do it. My last semester I did anyway, with a radio company doing marketing and promotions. It was this position and not my degree that EVERY interviewer asked me about. "What did you do? What did you learn?" It was only after I had walked the stage that I realized the most important thing college didn't give me: experience. My thousands of dollars of debt was really only a check mark on a requirement list. I needed experience.
So I put aside all my inhibitions, the little things in the back of my head, and googled "fashion internships." I found that there are tons of career specific search engines. 'Why didn't anyone ever tell me about this?' I would think. Years of college and they only taught me theories and ideas, facts and numbers, not where to look and what you needed to get where you wanted...I settled on freefashioninternships.com. It was a play ground of interest for me. But almost all were in NY. Seeing all the listings made a desire burn in me. 'I really want to do this' I thought. So I started applying to everything I saw. EVERYTHING. And with that only two or three called/contacted me.
I knew that I didn't know all the lingo of the fashion world but I also knew my desire would get me something. I was also reading a book about the power of positive thinking and attraction. If I believe it and keep fighting it will come at the right time. And it did, much sooner then I expected.
I got offered an internship with the Press Office Ltd in NYC on Jan. 6th (a month after applying, you need to patient and plan in advance). They were a fashion public relations agency in need of interns to assist in upkeeping the showroom, daily activities, and working fashion week! Suddenly I had what I wanted but now I didn't know what to do with it. I was excited, shocked, and terrified at once. Here was my chance, now a reality. It happened VERY FAST.
My situation was difficult. Like I said, I'm just your everyday girl. I had supported myself through college, still had an apartment and was unemployed. I had a lot of things I had to get in order before I left. My parents were concerned about money (though I would be staying with uncle in the Bronx and commuting to the city), about my apartment ($400 a month in rent), and how I would do it all. To be honest, I didn't know, but I knew it would work itself out somehow. They offered to take care of my dog for me for the time of the internship, even though they thought I had failed to plan and was jumping the gun. But I didn't care (though that sounds somewhat harsh), I knew I could not pass this up. I had never lived in the cold (I'm a Puerto Rican Florida girl!), so coats/long johns were not in my vocabulary. My mom fronted me the money for a coat (she couldn't let me leave w/o one, she was born and raised in NY) and a few small things. I also cleaned out my apartment in Tallahassee, sold and got rid of some stuff, paid as many bills as I could, and made plans for NYC. Luckily, my mom is a retired airline employee and got me a dirt cheap non-rev ticket. I knew I would have to get a part time job and/or sell some furniture in my apartment or sublease. But I knew everything would fall into place because I felt I was doing the right thing. On the way to the airport, for reasons I cannot explain, a women was on the sidewalk of an intersection was dressed as the statue of liberty. I wish I was joking b/c it made no sense whatsoever. It gave me and my parents a good laugh. They were lightening up to the idea of what I was doing and I got a sense that NY was where I needed to be. I arrived in NYC on Jan 22nd with only about $100 to my name and a passion to make it that no one could hamper.
I had always had an interest in fashion. I'm a junky for the TV shows; Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, The Hills/The City (I know, kill me), What Not to Wear, How Do I Look?, etc. I always had the desire to participate but did not feel as though I "belonged" in that world. After all, though I loved to admire, I was your everyday girl on an everyday budget. I shopped at Marshall's. Big names were a treat and only on the clearance/sales rack. I was okay with that world; it taught me discipline and the difference between necessity and wants. I wouldn't say I envied the label bearing sorority girls (no hate on them, I'm in one to..Theta Nu Xi =) ) on campus (we came from two different worlds) but I always thought "man it must be nice." I remember having a class with one girl who did an internship with Teen Vogue; she was such a bimbo I couldn't understand how she landed it. "Must be nice" I would say and continued on with the day.
That interest, one night after watching some show, led me to search. I had just graduated from FSU in December and had been job searching over the holidays, and decided, why not look for internships? The truth is, the market is horrible and very few places are willing to pay you for the experience they expect you to already have (especially in public relations). It's unfortunate that so many schools think that their name will get you where you think you need to be, and my college (with their "limited access" program) did to. Interning wasn't required and they didn't push me to do it. My last semester I did anyway, with a radio company doing marketing and promotions. It was this position and not my degree that EVERY interviewer asked me about. "What did you do? What did you learn?" It was only after I had walked the stage that I realized the most important thing college didn't give me: experience. My thousands of dollars of debt was really only a check mark on a requirement list. I needed experience.
So I put aside all my inhibitions, the little things in the back of my head, and googled "fashion internships." I found that there are tons of career specific search engines. 'Why didn't anyone ever tell me about this?' I would think. Years of college and they only taught me theories and ideas, facts and numbers, not where to look and what you needed to get where you wanted...I settled on freefashioninternships.com. It was a play ground of interest for me. But almost all were in NY. Seeing all the listings made a desire burn in me. 'I really want to do this' I thought. So I started applying to everything I saw. EVERYTHING. And with that only two or three called/contacted me.
I knew that I didn't know all the lingo of the fashion world but I also knew my desire would get me something. I was also reading a book about the power of positive thinking and attraction. If I believe it and keep fighting it will come at the right time. And it did, much sooner then I expected.
I got offered an internship with the Press Office Ltd in NYC on Jan. 6th (a month after applying, you need to patient and plan in advance). They were a fashion public relations agency in need of interns to assist in upkeeping the showroom, daily activities, and working fashion week! Suddenly I had what I wanted but now I didn't know what to do with it. I was excited, shocked, and terrified at once. Here was my chance, now a reality. It happened VERY FAST.
My situation was difficult. Like I said, I'm just your everyday girl. I had supported myself through college, still had an apartment and was unemployed. I had a lot of things I had to get in order before I left. My parents were concerned about money (though I would be staying with uncle in the Bronx and commuting to the city), about my apartment ($400 a month in rent), and how I would do it all. To be honest, I didn't know, but I knew it would work itself out somehow. They offered to take care of my dog for me for the time of the internship, even though they thought I had failed to plan and was jumping the gun. But I didn't care (though that sounds somewhat harsh), I knew I could not pass this up. I had never lived in the cold (I'm a Puerto Rican Florida girl!), so coats/long johns were not in my vocabulary. My mom fronted me the money for a coat (she couldn't let me leave w/o one, she was born and raised in NY) and a few small things. I also cleaned out my apartment in Tallahassee, sold and got rid of some stuff, paid as many bills as I could, and made plans for NYC. Luckily, my mom is a retired airline employee and got me a dirt cheap non-rev ticket. I knew I would have to get a part time job and/or sell some furniture in my apartment or sublease. But I knew everything would fall into place because I felt I was doing the right thing. On the way to the airport, for reasons I cannot explain, a women was on the sidewalk of an intersection was dressed as the statue of liberty. I wish I was joking b/c it made no sense whatsoever. It gave me and my parents a good laugh. They were lightening up to the idea of what I was doing and I got a sense that NY was where I needed to be. I arrived in NYC on Jan 22nd with only about $100 to my name and a passion to make it that no one could hamper.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)