Though Mendi Sample was born blind, she still cares about fashion. And she knows that finding an accessible place for professional clothing gives her an edge come graduation day.
She will be looking for a job this spring after she graduates from 窪蹋勛圖厙 at Stark with her bachelors degree in psychology.
Just because I am blind doesn't mean that I do not care about my clothing, or how I look, says Ms. Sample, while at Flashs Professional Closet preparing for a photo shoot to publicize the service. Located in the lower level of the Campus Center, the professional closet is free and open to all students.
Flashs Professional Closet held its grand opening on campus this spring and follows suit with similar endeavors at universities across the state. The closet is currently stocked with lots of clothing, thanks to a new community partnership with the Belden Village Mall.
Flashs Professional Closet has a visible presence at the mall through the creation of Flashs Professional Closet Donation Station. The drop-off donation site serves as an encouragement for mall shoppers to donate gently used or new professional clothing to students in need of career-oriented apparel.
Flashs Professional Closet allows us at Belden Village Mall to maintain a connection with our community and our local students that we are so proud of and grateful for, says Jennifer Grisez, marketing director at the Belden Village Mall. We love that, because of this initiative, we can impact students of varying needs and help them overcome limited accessibility, as well as help them look amazing!
FASHION FORWARD
Rose Montesano, a sophomore, helped Ms. Sample select a navy blue dress with flats to match for the recent photo shoot. Ms. Montesano, who is studying to become a special education teacher, says she enjoys helping people.
The smile they get when they achieve something they didn't believe was possible, thats really priceless, and thats why I want to work in special education, says the 20-year-old Marlington High School graduate.
For Ms. Sample, Ms. Montesanos help meant a new friendship.
Its so great when people take the time to see things from the other persons point of view, Ms. Sample says. I dont like to make being blind who I am. I dont let it define me, but when people take the time to understand, thats pretty special.
Sight has escaped Ms. Sample for the past 47 years. Born premature, she has only known what it is like to see shapes and colors. Still, she says, Theres so much help out there.
She said she is happy to take life not only one day at a time, but one step at a time. And, thanks to Flashs Professional Closet, she can make that step fashion forward.