By Verona Mahilet
I always let my mom choose my professional clothes. I should be ashamed to admit that, probably. But honestly… dressing professionally is not my cup of tea. Business casual? Why not. But full professional wear? Those people would kick me out of the room with just a glance!
When I came to Cleveland (being an international student), every time someone mentions “professional dress code,” my brain just leaves the room. I would immediately call my mom: “Mum, I need help.” And she’d get excited, until I asked her where to go to buy clothes. Then I’d hear the ring echo in my ears. This lady is miles away from me, literally on another continent. How is she supposed to direct me to any store here? Unless she’s suddenly omnipotent or omniscient, which would be cool… I suppose.
So, knowing my mom isn’t a Google Maps app, I turned to someone closer: my friend Marcella. I asked her where I could find professional clothes, cheap ones, because my pockets are in my home country. She would direct me somewhere, where the time season also matters, I think you see what I mean. And trust me, I bothered that poor girl for everything: when to buy, outfit advice, color choices, and when she shut the door before my eyes, I just went to waste my internet data scrolling Pinterest boards. But that’s not today’s topic. Today’s topic is the solution I finally found for us, a trick to save our patience, our friends, our data, and our mom, partially. And guess what? It’s right next to you. Not in your neighborhood, but just in your school, here at Tri-C!
Did you know Tri-C offers quality and free professional clothes? Yeah… me neither. I never thought those three words would fit in the same sentence, but miracles happen, right? This initiative is called Hope’s Closet, created in 2014 by the WIT – Women in Transition program. The event was organized as a part of the National Career Development Month (the event described in the article took place on November 13 at Metro Campus), but don’t panic if you missed it already; the closet stays open all year across all four campuses. You just need to contact the person listed at the end of the article. On Metro campus, where the event was organized, the “shop” is located at MSS Building, 2nd floor, on the way to the Career Center.
I attended the event myself, and I genuinely enjoyed every second. There were clothes of all styles, colors, and sizes for all genders, classy, elegant, they got you covered. Every person I talked to agreed that this initiative is incredibly helpful, especially for students preparing for job interviews, work, or professional events. No more asking, “Is this even professional enough?”
All clothing items come from agencies, funders, and faculties. Before entering the closet, they go through a careful examination process for quality, needs, and etiquette. Items that don’t meet the standards aren’t wasted; they are donated forward to community resources like the City Mission, local churches or pantries. And yes, if you’re looking for business casual, don’t move; they got you as well.
Now we have professional clothes and business casual, must be confusing, right? If, like me, you sometimes need someone to tell you which outfit goes with which events, the organizers, staff, and volunteers will happily help you choose pieces and even build full outfits with you. At the end of the event, willing participants can join a mini fashion runway to show off their selected look and best walk. Trust me, it’s so adorable and fun to watch.
Another great thing: the program also offers volunteer opportunities and summer internships. If you’re interested in donating clothes, volunteering, accessing the closet or just for more information, during the year, you’ll find the contact email and phone number below.
Enjoy your day professionally and thanks to Miss Kendra Willis for the beautiful initiative, contact her at Kendra.willis@tri-c.edu or 216-987-4187.
