Ariel Pazer Completes Experiential Learning Project at SUNY Oneonta

Ariel Pazer, of Gardiner, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Fashion Production Internship at Made X Hudson" at SUNY Oneonta.

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"I worked as an intern on the production team at Made X Hudson for 10 weeks. They are a local, sustainable small-batch clothing manufacturer in Catskill, NY, producing both an in-house collection and products for clients, as well as alterations," said Pazer, who is studying Fashion and Textiles.

"The big project I worked on while at Made X Hudson was a collaboration between Celestino Couture, Alejandra Filiciotto, and Marist's Silver Runway called Runway Over the Hudson. It was a runway show with looks designed by Sergio Guadarrama of Celestino Couture, models and backstage help from the students of Marist's Silver Runway.

"My main job was working with Celestino Couture to help pattern, sew, and trim some of the runway looks. I got to develop the patterns for two of the garments in the show, sewed parts of 10 of the looks, and sewed a lot of crochet cacti onto hats. However, I was also present at the Model Selection, measuring all the potential models so their measurements would all be on record, as well as the first fitting when all the major adjustments were made.

"During this project, I got to experience the full production side of producing a runway show. From taking designs from paper sketches to wearable garments, choosing models to final fittings and the last-minute rush that seems to be inevitable on a project like this, this experience was a step into the real world of fashion in a way school cannot emulate. The amazement at how the little pieces I produced came together to form a whole look that was totally beyond my own imagination was something I will never forget. In the future, I will be able to point back to this show as my first step into the industry."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/Ariel-Pazer-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project-at-SUNY-Oneonta/198683