Two Texas Wesleyan University students had their dorm rooms transformed into stylish, trendy spaces with wall décor, lamps, chairs and accessories gathered from the 20 Goodwill locations in the Fort Worth area.

Each year Goodwill designs rooms to showcase the unique items that are sold in their retail stores. The company chose Rolandra West and Ilksen Kirmizi for the room makeovers.

West is a senior majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing. After graduation, she hopes to work in the publishing industry while also writing books. Kirmizi, a junior, is majoring in biology and upon graduation plans to attend medical school.

Both West and Kirmizi are involved at Texas Wesleyan outside of their role as students. West works with IGNITE mentorship programs, speaking to young girls about being leaders in their communities. Kirmizi is a member of Texas Wesleyan’s dance team and a member of the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority.

“I grew up shopping at Goodwill, but usually for specific occasions,” said West. “I had no idea you could furnish a whole room for so little. When I graduate in the spring, I’m definitely going to furnish my apartment with things from Goodwill.”

Busy, hard-working students

West is a dedicated, hard worker who has taken 18 credit hours per semester throughout her college career, including summer classes. On top of volunteering with IGNITE, West works with Boys and Girls Club as well as the Rambler’s Integrated Media Group helping with advertising. She chose to attend Texas Wesleyan because of the school’s size and friendly environment. She loves having the opportunity to build personal relationships with peers and professors that a larger university may not offer.

In addition to being a full-time student, on the dance team and a part of a sorority, Kirmizi is also a dorm assistant at Elizabeth Hall. She loves being able to put a smile on the faces of the girls who live in her hall. Kirmizi chose Texas Wesleyan because of its biology program and small classes. She believes the individual attention she has got in her small classes has helped her immensely as a student.

“My family and I have always donated our clothing to Goodwill,” said Kirmizi. “I hope the girls in my hall will find some inspiration from how great my dorm makeover turns out.”

The dorm makeovers are featured on Goodwill Fort Worth’s Facebook page.