Dressed for what’s next

For students in the Queller Leadership Scholars program, preparation doesn’t happen by chance; it happens by design. That preparation came to life during a recent visit to First Impressions, a resource within Central Michigan University’s Career Development Center that provides professional clothing at no cost. What started as a practical need quickly became something more: a moment of confidence, connection, and growth.

After a fall networking trip to Detroit, students realized that professional presence goes beyond conversation; it includes how you show up. In response, program leaders partnered with the Career Development Center to create an experience that would help students feel ready for their next step, including an upcoming trip to Atlanta.

To make it possible, the center opened its doors after hours and prepared in advance, pulling clothing in a range of sizes so each student would have options.

“They were more than willing to keep the First Impressions area available to us,” said the HUB’s Director of Student Experience Amy McGinnis, who leads the Queller Leadership Scholars program. “It was a great experience for our students because they got to go in together, give feedback to each other, and really enjoy the process.”

More than clothing

For many students, the experience went beyond finding the right outfit.

“My experience at First Impressions was really positive,” said Davontae Chandler, an information systems major from Detroit, Mich. “It didn’t feel like just picking out clothes, it felt like preparing myself to show up at a higher level.”

That shift in mindset is exactly what the program aims to create. By removing barriers such as the cost of professional attire, students can focus on what matters most: building connections, developing skills, and stepping confidently into professional spaces.

“The visit definitely boosted my confidence,” Chandler said. “Knowing I had the right outfit took a lot of stress off me, so I could focus more on networking and making a good impression.”

A shared experience

While each student left with new professional attire, many also left with something less tangible: a stronger sense of community. Students moved through the space together, offering feedback, sharing opinions, and celebrating each other’s choices.

“Having the opportunity to shop at First Impressions with the current cohort was such a fun experience,” said Cynthia Sanjuan-Huerta, an accounting major from Waterford, Michigan, and a peer mentor in the program. “We were giving each other suggestions and uplifting each other. It was truly a bonding experience.”

That sense of belonging is central to the Queller Scholars’ experience, especially for first-generation students navigating unfamiliar spaces.

“The program has given me a community,” Sanjuan-Huerta said. “Being first gen is a superpower. We’re resilient, adaptive, and we make it work.”

Behind the scenes

For the Career Development Center team, the visit reflected a broader mission: making sure every student feels prepared and confident.

“What stood out most was their genuine engagement and excitement,” said Anna Flanders, assistant director of the Career Development Center. “We were able to work with each scholar one-on-one, helping them find pieces they felt confident in.”

Those moments when a student finds the right fit and sees themselves differently are what the experience is all about.

“That moment of confidence really captures what this experience is about,” Flanders said.

Programs like First Impressions are powered by community support and designed to remove barriers, ensuring students can access the tools they need to succeed.

Ready for what’s next

By the end of the visit, students weren’t just leaving with new outfits; they were leaving with a new level of confidence.

“They feel confident in how they look, and that adds to their ability to network and connect with others,” McGinnis said.

As Queller Scholars prepare for experiences like their Atlanta trip, confidence becomes a foundation, helping them step into professional spaces ready to engage and lead. Because sometimes, preparation starts with something simple and turns into something much bigger.