Students in the Visual Merchandising and Product Presentation class at the University of North Carolina Greensboro spent part of yesterday afternoon speed styling at Reconsidered Goods on Patterson Street. They were on site with their professor, Anne Wood, who teaches in the Department of Consumer Apparel and Retail Studies. As they arrived at Reconsidered Goods, they were met by staff member Paige Cox who immediately put the crew to work moving the above Valentine’s Day display from the back of the room to the front and relocating the display that was formerly in this spot. In the above photo, the display is nowhere near finished, but the crew was working quickly and efficiently making product placement issues in real time, working with goods donated to this non-profit, creative reuse center.

If you do not work in the field of education, you might not realize the emphasis placed on students having real-word, internship experiences as part of their academic training. Yesterday, the team’s instructor masterfully balanced providing input and direction from the side with allowing the team to make decisions. These students will also have the opportunity to speed style at the Junior League’s Bargain Box on Mill Street and the Target on Lawndale. How wonderful that university students provide a service to the community while gaining experience in their chosen profession.

A big thank you to the seven team members above, to their instructor Anne Wood, to Reconsidered Goods for providing artists with affordable supplies, and to the people who donate to this great venture. Each link in this chain is a vital part in building and sustaining a community.