KCC Faculty on Teaching
KCC Faculty on Teaching
How did you get into teaching?
I got into teaching by challenging myself to give seven non-English-speaking Asian
students at the NY School of Design the opportunity to learn the technical skills
of draping. The students all worked in the fashion field as sample makers or cutters
and wanted to explore a new position as a draper. I taught evening and weekend classes
to those seven determined students, who mastered the form of draping by simply watching
me drape muslin on a dress form. These extraordinary students remarkably surprised
me by repeating fashion terms and phrases during the demonstrations. The experience
at the NY School of Design, a trade school that first believed in me, was rewarding.
The challenges were difficult at times, but the outcome was successful. I do what
I love and I love what I do!
What career did you imagine for yourself when you were in college?
While attending the High School of Fashion Industries, I knew exactly the career path
I wanted to pursue as I continued my education at Fashion Institute of Technology:
I wanted to become a sleepwear/loungewear fashion designer. I promised myself not
to just settle for a job, but to aim for a career. The world of fashion has given
me so many great opportunities to work with well-known designers, top-notch patternmakers,
and the best sample makers who have shared their skillful sewing techniques. I am
forever grateful!
What do you love about teaching?
I love motivating and inspiring students to be creative, unique and stylish — to step
out of the box! It’s amazing to see the outcome of the creative designs developed
by the students. The design begins with a sketch and is executed into a final garment
using all the technical tools of the trade as they embark on their career goals in
the fashion industry.
What’s your favorite teaching experience?
I have several favorite teaching experiences: I enjoy being a hands-on teacher, taking
into account that students learn at their own pace and some require one-on-one lab
sessions. I also like seeing the joy and excitement of the students as they showcase
their designer’s mini-collection in the annual KCC Fashion Show. I really enjoy teaching
senior citizens students from the My Turn Program and students with intellectual or
developmental disabilities in the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program. These programs
allow me to interact with the students and help them embrace a new or second career
in fashion design. Creativity stimulates the mind and the opportunity for students
to express themselves through their designs.
In what ways do you bring your professional experience into the classroom?
I like to share my personal experiences in the classroom through conversations and
Q & A sessions. I take my students on a fashion journey ride of 35 years of my professional
experiences as a fashion designer/pattern designer in the intimate apparel market,
sharing the ups and downs, successes, and remarkable relationships that I still have
today with my fashion peers. Students are intrigued and very interested to know all
about the fashion industry. And they have many questions regarding their future career
in fashion.
What advice do you have for current students?
The advice I have for current students is continue your education and NEVER give up
on your dreams. There will be obstacles along your fashion journey but don’t give up on your “Passion for Fashion.”