Category Archives: Andre’ LaMont Moses

Project Runway: College Edition

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By: Andre’ Moses

For anyone who knows me, they know that I want to be a fashion designer…so bad. I have known what I’ve wanted to major in since I was a freshman in high school. When I found out that Eastern had a fashion related program, Apparels, Textiles, and Merchandising, I cried tears of joy. Not literally, but figuratively of course.

I came to Eastern super pumped to finally go to school and be a “fashion” major. My freshman year, I immediately immersed myself in whatever I possibly could to learn more about what it takes to become a fashion designer. My first month here, I volunteered to work backstage at one of Eastern’s biggest fashion shows, the Fashionality show, put on by the student organization Fashionality. Being backstage was so eye-opening, surreal, and most of all, motivating. I didn’t know how to sew during that time, but my next semester, the basic sewing class for my program taught me. With those newly learned skills, I embarked on a fashion journey that leads me to where I am today.

Ever since I volunteered backstage and helped other designers dress their models, I have taken part as a designer in many fashion shows here on campus, ran by Fashionality, my program, and also another student organization Fashion Avenue.  I’ve taken classes here that have taught me so much when it comes to designing clothing (pattern making, computerized fashion design, history of haute couture) and how to break into the fashion industry as a designer. With graduating in December, I feel prepared, excited, and a little anxious to really get into the “real world” and start trying to make a name for myself. However, with everything I have learned here, I am ready to go out and reach my dreams.

Do you want to see some of the clothing I have made? It’s your lucky day! Take a look:

Dorm Hunters: (Part 1) Get Wisdom in Wise

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By: Andre Moses

So, you’re finally a sophomore here at EMU. The freedom and choice to live wherever you would like on or off campus has been opened to you. So many choices right? Don’t fear young eagle. This series of blogs will highlight some of the many choices upperclassmen students can live in. Take some notes. Today, I’m going to give you some wisdom about

Wise Hall:

Facts:

  1. Wise is a residence hall for all class levels, from freshmen to seniors.
  2. This is one of our cheaper residence halls on campus.  Save a few bucks by living here.
  3. Instead of having bathrooms within each suite, you share a bathroom with the entire floor, better known as a community bathroom.
  4. Wise consists of double rooms, so you would have a roommate.

Hall Highlights:

  1. Location. Wise is right across from The Eateries and behind The Commons, two of our cafeterias on campus.
  2. Price. Again, if you need to save some money, Wise is the cheapest option for upperclassmen.
  3. Bathroom. Since it’s not your personal bathroom, the cleaning staff cleans the community bathroom. You don’t have to clean your bathroom at all. Enough said.
  4. Roommate. Couldn’t get enough of having a roommate freshman year? You can have one again, and make another friend while you’re living on campus.
  5. Never leave. For some students, having to go home during holiday breaks is a hassle, or they just don’t want to go because it feels so home-like on campus. Wise does not close during breaks, so feel free to stay on campus.

The Moving In and Out Madness

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By: Andre LaMont Moses

With the new fall semester coming rapidly ahead for new and returning young Eagles, the thought on everyone’s mind is, “What stuff should I bring?”

I remember before moving to EMU’s campus, I thought I would need the bare minimum, but I ended up bringing everything under the sun with me on move-in day, to the dismay of my parents who were helping me move in. In the end, I wound up learning a lot about the ins and outs of moving in, and moving right back out when the school year ends. Take my advice, and you’ll be perfectly equipped for move-in and move-out days:

  1. Bring for the semester, not the year: Be smart about the clothing you decide to bring. Don’t bring shorts and flip-flops during the fall semester. Leave all the seasonal clothing at home that isn’t appropriate for the season you’re in, and switch them out whenever you need to.
  1. Pack way before: One mistake I always make is packing the night before I move. You may think you don’t have that much stuff, but you really do. Try packing up little by little at least a week ahead. It really helps.
  1. More hands, the merrier: Recruit friends, family members and pets that are able to help out. Bringing 90 year old grandma isn’t a good idea.
  1. Early bird effect: Finding a good parking spot to lug your stuff to or from is key, so getting there early really helps. Also, the earlier you move in or out, the less people there will be moving, too. Trust me … waiting for the elevator being used by others with a mini-fridge in your hands is not the most fun thing to deal with!

 

 

How To Get Along With Your Roommates

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By: Andre’ LaMont Moses

I’ve been living on campus for 2 years now here at Eastern, both years spent living with 3 other guys in Downing Hall. When I talk to friends who are just heading to college, their main terrifying fear is getting into arguments with their roommates. The concern with having a messy, loud, socially awkward, just plain mean and rude person living with them for the school year scares the stuffing out of them. Do these same fears worry you? Or are you a current student worried about next year’s living arrangements? Don’t worry your pretty little feathers young eagle…Here’s some advice to keep peace in your room:

  1. Make cleaning schedules: It’s easy as pie. The first day that you and your roommates move in, sit down and talk about a cleaning schedule. Have it alternate every week so that one of you isn’t stuck cleaning the toilet the entire year. Buy a dry erase board to write everyone’s cleaning assignments down with.
  1. Explain your wants: Simply telling your roommate “Hey, I go to sleep at 11 p.m. so try to keep it down around that time,” early on really makes a difference. Letting them know before they have a chance to do it really sticks with them throughout the year.
  1. Guests? ASK: Even though we have the freedom to have guests over, giving your roommate a heads up is always nice, and asking them to do the same helps, too.
  1. Seek help: If all else fails, go to your Resident Advisor. They serve as a mediator to sort out any roommate conflicts!

Job Hunting!

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By: Andre’ LaMont Moses

My freshman year here at EMU, I had a really hard time finding a job. Since I didn’t work in high school, my resume looked super sad and blank, so I figured no one would hire a guy with no experience. It took me a while to realize that getting a job on campus requires a few little tips and tricks, as well as some initiative from you to get out there. Having a hard time finding a job on campus, young eagle? Take my advice, and see if it works for you (which it will):

  1. Become involved in organizations: Many campus employers like seeing a well-rounded, involved college student working for them, so even joining just one organization on campus helps. If you can, after your first year, try running for an E-board position (you help plan out meetings and events) in your organization. This shows more of your leadership skills and makes you more desirable as an employee.
  1. Apply everywhere: Don’t be afraid to apply to positions you never could see yourself doing. You might end up liking this new employment adventure you’re on.
  1. References: If you do find a job, keep things cool and nice with your supervisors. They are the ones who provide your references for other campus jobs. Take it from me, references can make or break your hiring decision.
  1. UACDC: University Advising Career Development Center is pretty good at keeping jobs posted and helping students to find jobs as well. Here is the link to their page: http://www.emich.edu/uacdc/

Confessions of an Art Minor

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By: Andre’ LaMont Moses

So, you’re super creative, and have a knack for artistic talents, like painting, drawing and sculpture, but you don’t want to make that your entire focus at school? Try being an Art minor! This will give you a chance to let out those creative juices with other artsy students like yourself, and to strengthen your talents even more. I am an Apparels, Textiles and Merchandising major, and my ultimate goal is to become a fashion designer, so having an Art minor would really help me in the end. However, many Art minors have completely unrelated majors, like Psychology, Biology and even Math. Being an Art minor gives those who have a passion for the arts a chance, to well, do the arts! Here’s some first-hand Art minor experience for those interested:

  1. Classes are long: So, this sounds bad, but most of the Art classes are 2-3 hours long. Sounds like torture, but you’ll be amazed how much of a piece you get done, and how fast it flies by to make art.
  2. You make friends quickly: Because you’re in class twice a week with the same people for 2-3 hours, you get to know each other quickly. Plus, you’re with fellow artsy people, so you’ll feel at home.
  3. Professors are really cool: I don’t know what it is, but all art professors are super down-to-earth and friendly.
  4. Save up for art supplies: Many art classes require lots of supplies, from pencils to chalk to clay. SAVE UP! Normally, supplies will cost you anywhere from $40-$100 for one class. It’s worth it…you can save all those supplies for your own use.