Our House e-newsletter July 2013 | Page 15

A few donors came with suits, dresses, and other things Alishe’ah would need for the trip. Her teacher Michael Huels donated her plane ticket. Scarlet, a boutique in Little Rock, offered not just one or two items but enough clothes, shoes, and accessories for all of the formal and casual events and activities of Alishe’ah’s trip. The 16-year-old got to spend an afternoon in the boutique with the Scarlet crew and a few Our House staff members. Alishe’ah, a fun and outgoing teenage girl, had the time of her life modeling each outfit and choosing which she would wear during her trip—dresses for formal dinners and meetings; shorts and summer dresses for exploring Washington, D.C. with her teammates; and even something comfy to wear on her first-ever plane ride. The lucky ones who got to witness her shopping trip were entertained as she posed for everyone, danced in front of the mirror, and fell in love with a pair of bright purple shoes. When it came time to choose some jewelry, Alishe’ah suddenly looked a little shy. She softly said, “I don’t want to be greedy.” The Scarlet staff, having fun dressing her up, encouraged her to add some jewelry to her outfits, along with a new bag. After the trip, the clothes were Alishe’ah’s to keep. Some are great for her internship with Our House’s summer youth program, and some will be perfect for interviews as she looks for jobs after high school.