The Evolution of Fashion: UK Student Trends

Madalena Pierangelino, Marketing Intern
 
Fashion is forever evolving. This spring, you can expect to find old trends like “Bean Boots” resurfacing, lots of colorful pullovers and many other new trending items. I’m no fashion expert; but whether you’re a guy or girl, you are bound to see these UK staple fashion items on campus. 

Let’s take a look at the latest clothing and accessory trends. 

Boots
Rain boots and riding boots will still make plenty of appearances on campus, but what people call “Bean Boots” have started to take over as a way to battle Lexington’s unpredictable weather. Popular among both guys and girls, the shoes are perfect for the snow or rain because their rubber soles add traction, some are insulated, and they have high ankles made of leather. The fact that they come in black, brown and navy blue means they basically go with every outfit. And, you can add long, colorful socks for extra protection and flare. 

Leggings
Leggings continue to be the “pants” of choice for girls on campus (guys have yet to catch onto this trend, for obvious reasons.) There is still an on-going debate on whether leggings should actually be considered pants, which is why how you wear them fully depends on the circumstances. The thin ones are great for class when paired with a big top or sweater. Athletic ones can double as gym pants or class pants. Leggings made with leather or that have tribal designs can even be worn out. This trend may never go out of style with their inherent comfort and versatility, just make sure they fit the occasion.  

Sprit Jerseys
Spirit jerseys will soon flood the campus with color. Spirit jerseys are oversized long-sleeved t-shirts that have big, overflowing font on the back. They are popular among sororities, but there are generic ones that say “Kentucky” as well. Wear them to class with leggings, or even get a UK blue one to wear to a basketball game (I guess they are called “spirit” jerseys for a reason.) 

Pullovers
The pullover-style jackets, or quarter zips, are keeping lots of students cozy. There are various brands, such as North Face, Columbia and the most popular, Patagonia. If you want to lay low, there are tons of neutral colors to choose from; if you want to add a splash of color to the giant sea of blue, there are also bright colors and patterns.

Monograms
You name it, and you can monogram it. From sweatshirts, t-shirts with the “frockets” (or front pockets, see pink shirt), purses to the sleeves of men’s dress shirts, there is no limit to the items you can put your initials on. Needlepoint belts are one popular monogramable accessory, especially among those in Greek life. Lots of guys wear them, because you can personalize the design, stitch it yourself and then have it sent to you. A couple of local places in Lexington that cater to this are Eye of the Needle and M’s Canvas House. Or, order from designs that already exist. 

Accessories
Ray-Ban sunglasses, in aviator or wayfarer style, can complete a look. Attach some colorful Croakies to make sure you don’t lose them. You can also add a scarf—infinity scarves made of lighter materials make a perfect accessory on those awkward its-neither-hot-nor-cold days. Infinity scarves are easy to wear. They are just one circle of fabric that you place over your head, and voilà! Another trend to watch out for is gold jewelry, which is becoming much more prominent and seems to reflect the energy that spring brings. Big gold watches, “stacks” of gold bracelets, or gold accents on shoes are just a few items you’ll see. Water bottles, like Camelback or Contigo, are common companions of students, as well. This trend is a win-win—the reusable container makes a positive impact on the environment, and students stay hydrated.  

Some of these styles may be resurrections from the 1970’s, and others may be revolutionary ideas, but either way UK students love them. Next time you’re on your way to class, take a look at the outfits around you. If you don’t feel like joining, start your own trend. Maybe you’ll be featured in the next blog!
To give you a visual of some of these styles, here is a collection of outfits that a typical student might wear.

 

 

To see more UK inspired outfits, check out our Pinterest page!

Willy T 2.0

Brianna Brents, Marketing Intern

As a student at the University of Kentucky, chances are you’ve spent your fair share of time in the William T. Young Library, or “Willy T.” However, you may not be aware of the updates and changes over the last few years, especially in The Hub. The Hub, as you may know, is located in the basement of the library. The great thing about The Hub is that not only do you have a space to study or work with groups, but there are also a variety of resources offered in one place.

The Media Depot, located in the south wing of The Hub, is the go-to place if you need to work on media projects, edit videos, or work with Adobe programs. Students have access to recording equipment, multimedia software, and even a green room. The first time I visited the media depot, I loved having experienced students, or media helpers, as they are called, available to explain how to use the equipment and help with editing. Having someone there to help guide me through the editing process and give constructive criticism made completing my project a lot less stressful. If you need to gain more experience in broadcast, editing, or design, take advantage of this service. Here you will find instructional videos featuring the media helpers, which breakdown step-by-step instructions for every resource in the depot. For hours of operation visit the Media Depot’s website.

If you are ever in the library and realize you need a laptop, you can go to the Audio and Visual Service desk, where you can check out a laptop with your student I.D. for up to four hours. There are also viewing rooms, which can be used as private study rooms or movie screenings for class assignments. Also, if you’ve missed a video shown in class and need to make it up, you can check with AV Services to see if they have that specific film on file; there are over 10,000 DVD’s available to checkout.

Tech Help @ The Hub is another service that I encourage everyone to take advantage of. When my link blue account wasn’t syncing with my email, and when my hard drive failed on my laptop, I went to Tech Help for support. In addition to providing these services, they help with account set up, mobile device configuration, software downloads and installation, and even virus protection assistance. All of these services, except hard drive repair, are free for full-time students. However, Tech Help prices for hard drive repair are very reasonable compared to going off campus for help.     

Last but not least, The Hub is also home to The Writing Center. You may remember the Writing Center being on the 5th floor of the library, but it has a new home in room B108 of The Hub. Whether its reports, posters, slide presentations, or even creating a website, the Writing Center is available to help with every stage of the composing and communicating process. The Writing Center consultants are helpful because they work with you to make your assignments even better. Having peer consultants there is a plus because they have been in your shoes, and they can relate to having research papers or creative essays to write.

As you can see, The Hub is home to a lot of great resources and services. Next time you’re in Willy T. don’t forget to check out The Hub and take advantage of these resources. Click here to take the virtual tour!

Public Speaking: Advice From a Nervous Wreck

Kasey Prater, Marketing Intern 

Chances are you have had to give a speech or presentation in the past or will in the future. For many people, including myself, public speaking is a huge fear.  If you’re like me, the first week of classes is a time for organizing your planner in preparation for the semester’s course load. It is also a time where I panic and scan through the syllabus for any sort of public speaking or presentation assignments. Why? Because I loathe public speaking. It makes me clammy even thinking about speaking in front of a class. Luckily for many others, and myself, public speaking is a learnable skill that gets easier with practice. Below are some tips that I have found to be extremely helpful in making me become a more confident public speaker and presenter. 

Know your material
Nothing helps ease the fear of public speaking more than really knowing the content of what you’re about to present. Don’t just memorize words and facts. Reciting a blurb of stuff you don’t really know about can be a drag for your audience. Plus, you never know when you could get sidetracked and completely forget what you were supposed to say next. Instead, make sure that you actually understand the material. I have found it helpful to write key points on a notecard and try to hit those throughout the presentation. The more you know about the subject the more able you are to thoroughly answer any questions your audience may have.

Practice
When it comes to public speaking, practice truly makes perfect. I cannot tell you how many times I have even been too embarrassed to practice by myself. So when it came time for the presentation, I actually was really unprepared but still thought I could just go with it and nail it. I now know how silly that was for me to do. No matter how well you have learned the material, if you are presenting something for the first time, it is clear that you have not practiced. As soon as you know you are going to be delivering a presentation or speech, start preparing and creating it because the sooner you get it together, the more time you will have to run through it. Practice whenever and wherever you can—in front of the mirror, with a friend or with a group of friends. If possible you should practice in the classroom that you will be giving the presentation in.

Another option is to record yourself presenting, this is especially helpful if there is a time limit. I know watching yourself give a speech may seem strange at first, but it lets you see what you do well and what you need to improve upon. With practice, you will be a more poised, compelling speaker.

Think Positively
I am a well-known Debbie Downer, so it is in my nature to think the absolute worst before giving a presentation. In the past, when I was waiting to give a presentation, I would replay my biggest fears in my mind—like tensing up and freezing in the middle of my speech—basically self-sabotaging. I freaked myself out and my speech suffered because of it. Now, I encourage myself as much as I can before any presentation that I give.

Dressing for success can also majorly boost your positivity and self-confidence. If you feel confident in your appearance it will shine through in your speech. I have found it helpful to dress as professional as you need to be while still being comfortable. Nothing is worse than standing in front of an audience and pulling on your clothes because you’re uncomfortable. Wearing something light and breathable makes me feel more relaxed and speech ready.

Positive thinking makes a huge difference in not only your performance but also your confidence.  Right before your speech, visualize yourself giving a successful presentation.  Use affirmations like “I am going to do well” to increase your confidence and lessen your nerves. 

Coping with Nerves
Just thinking about public speaking could make me nervous. Embarrassingly, I have even blacked out from anxiety while giving a presentation. Or, more often, I get up there and do my thing, and then once I finish presenting, I have no recollection of the whole thing. Most of my worries about public speaking come from the fear of freezing up and forgetting what I need to say. The best thing you can do to lessen your nerves is to stop thinking about yourself, your fear and your anxiety. Rather, you should focus on the audience. Remember that you are presenting to educate or help them in some way, and that your message is more important than your fear. 

Before your presentation, try taking some deep breathes to calm yourself down. Take several deep breaths in through your nose, holding each for a couple seconds and slowly let them out through your mouth. This will help you become more relaxed and thus ready to perform. Try to get to your presentation early so you have time to get settled and get comfortable. 

If the crowd is what intimidates you, try thinking of your presentation as a conversation you’re having with an individual. Focus in on one welcoming face at a time. It helps me to look at foreheads rather than make direct eye contact. Too much direct eye contact can make some people feel uncomfortable. If that doesn’t work for you, you can try focusing on the back of the rooming, moving your gaze around. 

The more experience you have with speaking in public, the better you will become. It is something that I continue to work at. Next time you have a speech or presentation, think about these little steps to improve your communication.

Social Media Etiquette

Amanda Gerakos, Marketing Intern

College is a time for meeting life-long friends, having the time of your life, and oh yeah… working towards your degree. But, if you’re like me, you are not just working towards a degree — you’re working your butt off for your dream job. However, before we actually have that degree in our hands, it is time to actually start searching and applying for our dream jobs. The days of your resume being the only way employers learned anything about you are gone. Future employers are now, more than ever, searching Google and social media to find out who we really are; it’s almost like our social media has become our “virtual resume”.  In fact, my boss has told me that when she was offered her first job out of college, she was asked to befriend the employer on Facebook before they could officially offer her the position. Is your Facebook and other social media platforms currently up to the challenge of impressing top-notch employers?

That isn’t to say that you can’t use social media to your advantage to grab the attention of future employers — you can. It is important to showcase your interests and accomplishments on your social media. Hiring managers normally look at applicants’ social media to get a better feel of who you are as a person, not just to dig up dirt. That being said, social media can easily ruin any chances you may have with a potential employer. To be sure that your social media doesn’t cost you a job in the future: follow these do’s and don’ts.

Don’t

• Over-share (your future employer doesn’t want to know about your bowel movements)
• Friend request people you don’t know (unless it’s on LinkedIn and you’re interested in a certain company)
• Vent about work or your boss
• Post anything with nudity
• Curse
• Post anything illegal
• Post controversial opinions just to stir the pot
• Post while under the influence
• Use bad grammar
• Go off the radar for long periods of time
• Allow your friends to tag you in inappropriate pictures or statuses- there is a Facebook setting that allows you to review all posts before they go on your timeline

Do

• Show your personality through your posts
• Upload appropriate photos
• Post articles that you think are interesting
• Engage, and keep your social media updated
• Share positive experiences- traveling abroad, participating in DanceBlue, etc.
•  Make sure information on your social media matches your application and resume information
• Create a LinkedIn account if you don’t already have one
•  Post articles that relate to your industry or interests (especially on LinkedIn)
• Find out your Klout if you are interested in the marketing/social media industry
• Remember that Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram showcase your more personal side, compared to LinkedIn which showcases your professional side
• Use LinkedIn to network and build connections with people in your industry
• Feel free to delete any negative comments that people may make on anything you post

Remember, think before you post. You don’t want your dream job slipping between your fingertips because of a late night rant. I would encourage you to start cleaning up your social media as soon as possible. You may be shocked and maybe even a little embarrassed to find what your younger self posted, or what your friends may have tagged you in. Working hard and earning good grades can take you far, but bad social media can ruin your hard work. Make sure to use your social media to your advantage by following these tips.

Going to The Study?

Amanda Gerakos, Marketing Intern

I went through the first half of my freshman year without knowing what Academic Enhancement’s, The Study was. People all around me were talking about this free tutoring program, but I had never been to any type of tutoring before. I was intimidated to think about going to get tutored. To me, tutoring meant that you were failing a class or falling behind and you were required to go get help. I learned later that the Peer Tutoring Program was very different from my original thoughts about tutoring. The goal is to enhance students' academic experience as early and as often as possible. The Study is a place where students go to use tutoring proactively in order to stay on top of their grades and avoid failing altogether.

When my first Chemistry exam didn’t go as I’d hoped, I decided it was time to venture to The Study. Since I lived in the dorms on south campus, it wasn’t too far of a walk. I was anxious going for the first time. It was like walking into the cafeteria as a new student and not knowing anyone. There were tables full of students everywhere, and when I walked up, a girl sitting at the desk asked me to sign in with my student ID. I fumbled with my backpack to find my ID and then I signed in for Chemistry. I had no idea where I was going and the desk worker sensed my confusion. She gave me exact directions to get to the Chemistry tutors, and I easily figured out who the tutors were because the tutors were all wearing bright green shirts with “STAFF” on the back.

My first visit was all it took to make me a regular at The Study. I sat down with one of the Chemistry tutors and they helped me finish all of my homework on time. Instead of just telling me what the answers were, the tutors helped me work through each of my problems, and I actually learned how to do them. All of the tutors that work at The Study have gotten either an A or B in the course at UK that they are tutoring. This really helped because the tutor knew exactly what the homework looked like and gave great tips on how to study for the exam. Plus, it was such an easygoing atmosphere that I felt comfortable staying for hours to get my work done. In fact, I came back to receive tutoring every week for my other subjects, and my grades really started improving.  After that one visit, it was no longer intimidating to go into tutoring, and I knew exactly what to do when I came in and where to go. I even started coming and doing my homework by myself, just in case I had any questions while working on it. It became a study space for me, and not just a place to get tutoring. Learning from my experience, I don’t want students to be intimidated by the prospect of going to The Study just because they have never been before.

Over the years I have grown to love The Study, I would go regularly to receive tutoring, especially my freshman and sophomore year. I loved the atmosphere of The Study, and the tutors always seemed to really enjoy their jobs, so I applied to be a tutor. I was hired as a MA 111 tutor and worked as a tutor for two semesters. I really loved helping people learn and improve their grades. Then when it came time for me to start applying for internships, I of course decided to stay in the Academic Enhancement family, and I am now a marketing intern here. The Study is such a familiar place to me now, and I want to make sure other students aren’t afraid to use this great resource.

What to Bring:

In order to provide the most efficient and effective tutoring, we suggest that students who are seeking our services have access to and bring the following items to their tutoring sessions:

•  Student ID to sign in (if you don’t have your ID, you can use your student ID number)
• Any homework that you have questions about
• Course content you are struggling with
• Technology needed to complete homework or view content (laptop, tablets)

The Study actually has its own copy of class textbooks for most subjects, but just in case, you may want to bring your book the first time to see if it is available. There is also a limited supply of calculators to borrow during your tutoring session, and plenty of paper and writing utensils. As I said before, The Study is very laidback. All of the staff is more than happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

How To Find Us:

The Study is located on South campus in 306 Complex Commons. When you first walk into Commons, you are going to walk toward the Starbucks, but will go upstairs before you reach Starbucks. There will be a set of clear double doors to your right with “The Study” decals on the doors. Go through those and up the stairs.

There is a desk at the top of the stairs and a desk worker will always be working during tutoring hours. This is where you sign in. There is a touch screen computer located at this desk where you will be prompted to select your subject, then your specific course number and then swipe your ID to log in. For example, if I needed tutoring in MA 111, I would first select “Mathematics,” then “Math 111” and then I would swipe my ID. If the first desk in the promenade is too busy, there is always a second desk in the grand ballroom that you can sign in at, with another desk worker. The desk workers are also UK students and are very helpful and will be happy to walk you through the sign in process, answer any questions you may have and show you where your subject is located. There are also plenty of signs hanging from the ceilings and walls, to help you find your subject.

Once you find your subject area, I’d recommend sitting at a table where you have ample room to take out your computer, notes, and book, if the subject isn’t too busy. Then if you have a question or problem you can either raise your hand or call for a tutor by name (the tutors wear name tags!). The Study is busiest right before an exam and the day that homework is due for that specific course. Evening hours are also very popular with students. That being said, I recommend coming early, especially your first visit. If you come early and a couple days before an exam or your homework is due you will get more hands on tutoring since the subject won’t be too busy!

Once you are finished with your tutoring session, just sign out before you leave. To sign out, go to either of the desks in the promenade or the ballroom and use the touch screen computer. At the bottom of the touch screen, there will be a place to rate your visit from 1-5, with 5 being an excellent visit. Once you choose one of the options, you will be asked to swipe your ID or enter your ID number again. Then you will have successfully completed your first visit to The Study!

To view our tutoring hours and to see what hours your specific subject will be available, you can visit our website at www.uky.edu/AE. Also be sure to check out our Going to The Study video.