It is 102 degrees in the San Fernando Valley and it is also the 3rd week of school here at Pierce College. As I walk around campus with a friend, a backpack full of books and excessive sweat pouring down our bodies we notice someone different. A beautiful redheaded girl dressed in all black holding what appeared to be a black umbrella. Her hair was slightly wavy, pumpkin orange and tied into pigtails. Her outfit consisted of a tight black corsete that she wore with a black tutu. Her socks were knee high and stripped black and white. We approached her right away. With an awkward smile, and a hesitant hello she introduced herself as Amanda Stanlow. Once we introduced ourselves and complimented her creative and original sense of style she became excited and her eyes lid up as she began telling us about her style, Stanlow described her style as “goth”, “baby doll goth” she laughs as she corrects herself. This wasn’t the first time Amanda was approached about her style, she was used to it. The attention is not always positive, students sometimes compliment but they also question her fashion choices. Lately the umbrella was getting all the attention. “I know it’s not raining. It’s fucking hot and casting a shadow” she says as she remembers those students “And it’s a parasol not an umbrella!” she adds. Stanlow is one of the few students who is not afraid to think outside the box. She is not afraid to shine with her darkness and charm you with her stories.
