Written by Elumba Cathyvonne Ebenja
“I still have to pack and charge my camera,” said junior Melanie Plaza, as she frantically moves about her apartment.
Plaza is one of 11 students majoring in fashion merchandising who will travel to Atlanta Thursday, April 8,to visit theMarket.
Atlanta’s Market is a place where individuals in the fashion industry can see and buy the latest trends for the upcoming season. Those majoring in fashion merchandising explore the business aspect of fashion. There are many positions to consider such as being a buyer, seller, designer, stylist, visual merchandiser, store manager and fashion show director.
Plaza said the trip was funded through the class fee of $400 and was a mandatory class trip. She explained that although the class is only one credit hour, it is mainly to prepare the students for this trip and to form a portfolio. Each individual’s portfolio contains most of their fashion work, class projects and a resume ready to be given to a potential employer.
Plaza expressed excitement as she spoke of the trip. She said she had never been on a class trip where she was able to board a plane. She said she was indecisive as to what she was going to wear. Plaza said that the trip was more of a professional visit, and so she wanted to dress appropriately.
“I didn’t want to go too casual,” Plaza said. “I picked an outfit that’s dressy but comfortable, like business casual.”
The students, all women, are allowed one carry-on bag. No flip flops are to be worn, and only business attire is advised. The trip is already paid in full, but the women will have to fund their own meals. They will be sharing four rooms.
Although the trip is primarily for educational purposes, Plaza said the group has set aside time to enjoy the city of Atlanta on their visit. Aside from dinning out and visiting the 15-floor Market, plaza said she is excited to also visit the mall and the aquarium.
Rebecca Moore, the course instructor, will be chaperoning the group of ladies on their trip. The group will leave Harding University at 7 a.m. on their way to Memphis and from there will fly Delta to Atlanta. The students are scheduled to arrive at noon. Classes will be excused for the women, and they are scheduled to return early Sunday morning.
