Olivia Manning
Textile Design
20
Westfield, NJ
Why did you choose Jefferson & Textile Design?
I was looking for a school that had a good art program as well as a good volleyball team which are my two passions. I was going to come here and do graphic design until I saw the textile design studio with all the looms, knitting machines, and people painting beautiful prints. I instantly fell in love. My mom did textile design at FIT in NYC and knew that it was something that I would enjoy.
How long have you played volleyball?
I have played volleyball since 4th grade but technically I have been surrounded by volleyball my whole life. I grew up going to the Long Beach, Long Island on weekends in the summer where my dad would play beach volleyball. Dad taught me how to play as well as be a good teammate.
What do you like to do during your free time?
I am a very energetic and lively person who is always up to do many different activities. I love to paint, draw, and do almost anything creative. On the other hand i love to exercise which usually consists of swimming, spin classes, yoga, and volleyball.
What got you interested in spin? Why did you decide to teach?
I started taking spin classes at our Local Spin place called “Jen -Fit” which is a mom in our town that started her own company. The place was so welcoming and encouraging i fell in love with the atmosphere. I wanted to teach spin because i want other people to experience exercise in a fun and encouraging environment.
How do you balance school work, spin classes and volleyball?
Balancing schoolwork, teaching spin classes and playing volleyball can be difficult to balance at times. I try and keep a very organized agenda book with all my activities, meeting, projects so that I have everything in one place. However, I am very passionate about textile design, spin classes and volleyball that it is enjoyable to do the work for each and that is the most important thing. To be happy with what you’re doing.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering being a student athlete?
Advice that I would give anyone considering being a student athlete would be to make sure that you love the school, program, and overall people at the university that you are interested in. It is very important to go to a school where you feel the people would be supportive of your ambitions as well as a place where you can grow and become the person you want to be.