It’s the end of the Spring Semester, and Manhattan is just beginning to warm up (although the weather fluctuation has got everyone upset).
While this daring and challenging semester has finally come to an end, it’s actually the beginning for me. Of course, it’s the beginning of learning more about myself, my aesthetics, and my goals and what I want to achieve.
A few things I’ve learnt over the semester have really shaped the decisions I’ll make next semester. Here are the top six things that I’ve learnt this semester about myself.
No. 1 – I’m a perfectionist (but I’m not afraid to learn from my mistakes)
Getting excellent grades and having the best drawing skills in high school completely fell apart when I attended FIT for the first time. For the first time, I learned that I was NOT the best at anything. In fact, I was mediocre compared to many students, but that never stopped me from pushing even harder.
At the end of my first semester, when my Fashion Illustration teacher gave me a B+ for my fashion illustration, I learned that to be the best, I have to get better. So in my second semester, although I strove to do my absolute best, I learned I needed to make space to grow and improve.
It was tough accepting that I wasn’t the best artist, but once I did, I got better.
Me with the tulips in the background on a lovely, spring afternoon (27th Street, FITNYC)
No. 2 – I suck at draping (but I have expert-level sewing skills)
So I can’t drape. Well, at least I try.
I can replicate what I want and how I want it done, but to actually do it is a chore for me. However, sewing? It’s a breeze. I know how to put things together. There is nothing wrong with that.
In my first semester, I dreaded draping class because I was so bad at it (my final grade was a B), but this semester, although I still dread it, I’m confident I can manage it.
No. 3 – I absolutely love Art and Art History
(so much so that I love my art history teacher even though everyone else despises her)
Don’t tell my art teacher this, but no one in the class actually likes her. Well, at least no one except for me. She is truly passionate about art, and her passion sort of rubbed off on me. Art is really life. Even though her art exams are really hard.
No. 4 – I Learned A lot (Even in the classes where I learned nothing)
Some classes actually enhanced my skills, while others I could have done without. Even in the classes I could have done without, I still learned something. I learned that sometimes you needed to use hacks and prioritize which classes were actually important.
Illustrating fur was a lot harder than I thought, but in the end, I enjoyed what I created.
No. 5 – I Learned that Rendering Dark Complexions is a Rare Gift
Most black students in FIT will render dark complexions; it’s the truth. However, the underlying truth is that they render Caucasian and lighter complexions so much better.
I made it a habit to render even the darkest tones for the simple reason that I’m a black woman and I should know how to do it. And I should know how to do it with utmost perfection and skill. I should want to do it. I should love to do it.
No. 6 – I Miss my Family
When I was living in the BVI, I couldn’t wait to go away to college to get away from my parents. Now, I call my mother almost every day, even for the simplest things. I could talk to her about anything that goes on in college, even the silliest things.
It’s great to be independent, but it’s even better to be independent knowing that you still have someone that you can truly depend on.
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