The Skyline Newspaper

Aaron Mitchell kicks back in his absolutely fabulous new room. Photos by Jason Hennington

Mitchell Wins Dream Do-Over

By Jason Hennington
 News Writer

Aaron Mitchell’s redecorated room is a dream (do-over) come true.

The SRSU student had his Lobo Village digs redecorated by a professional thanks to Dream Dorm Do-Over.  Mitchell was the winner of last week’s program, sponsored by Sully Productions. 

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Mitchell, El Paso.  “I was surprised.”

With the help of Claire Berger, host of Dream Dorm Do-Over, Mitchell’s Lobo Village room was redecorated with style.  Berger visited Sul Ross last Wednesday (Feb. 27) and gave an hour-long lecture on how to add style to a living area.  After the lecture, a random drawing was held to determine which student would have the privilege of adding style to their room, with a $500 budget.

“I’ll make the room more social and make him more comfortable,” Berger said.  “It’s scary how much $500 can buy, but I try to stretch it as far as I can.”

After the program, Berger followed Mitchell to his room and determined what was to be done.  At 7:30 the next morning, the plans went into action. 

“I try to assess based on other rooms I’ve been in,” Berger said.

Berger met with Mitchell and his girlfriend in his room and discussed necessary changes to the room, including more storage space and color schemes.  Berger said the size of the room is not the real challenge; the student is.

“The greatest challenge is the disorganization of the student,” Berger said.  “Aaron has it together, though, so this is a pleasure.”

She works around key elements for both males and females to determine what is needed to help the room.  The elements include electronics, more comfortable bedding, extra seats, wall décor, and storage space.

Berger had Mitchell clean his room so she could come in and get to work.  She stressed that she would not invade privacy or dispose of anything in the room, but she would organize what was left. 

Within the regulations of the dorms, Berger used the $500 on furniture, entertainment equipment, new carpeting, and even a smoothie bar.

“The smoothie bar is good, especially for guys,” Berger said.  “Most students won’t spring for something like a blender; it’s something good to contribute.”

Berger included items that would incorporate Mitchell’s roommate.

“It’s only fair to incorporate the roommate.  It enhances the roommate relationship, which is also a goal of mine with dream dorm do-over,” Berger said.

Berger did not work alone in setting up the room; she had the help of Sul Ross students Kim French, Sierra Blanca, and Jackie Martinez, Alpine. 

“In writing, I say that I need at least one helper,” Berger said.  “A maintenance guy or a talented, fabulous RA [residential assistant] comes to the rescue.”

French believes this program was a good idea and that it caught the attention of many students.

 “It’s something our campus has never seen before,” she said.

French also said she would like to see this program back, but maybe for staff/faculty members or students in the apartments and family housing.

 “I would like to see it again.  Maybe for family housing or apartments or even a faculty office. Maybe at the beginning of the semester so they can enjoy it all semester, and maybe incorporate it with residential living.”

The morning of the do-over, Mitchell went to class and returned to a room redecorated with style. 

“It’s pretty cool,” Mitchell said.

He enjoyed the additions he received and the style that was added as well.

“The wall freckles were a little different but cool,” he laughed. 

Mitchell was not the initial winner of the contest.  Stephanie Marshall, Kermit, was the first ticket chosen, but she declined the offer.

“I had crinkled up my ticket,” Mitchell said.  “I was excited when she gave it up, though.  My room was real plain, anyway.”

Mitchell had forgotten about the program and was reminded by his girlfriend, who also remembered to get his ticket for the drawing.

“You go with the intentions of winning, and then you win,” Mitchell said.  “It’s a real neat experience.  I’ve never won any prize like this.”

According to Berger, there has only been one other instance where a winner chose to pass their gift to someone else.