I have a ton of hobbies when it comes to my day-to-day ventures throughout Scranton. One of my favorite things to do is hit up yard sales, thrift shops and flea markets when I have some downtime.

I first began thrift shopping a few years ago when my mother brought me to a Salvation Army for the first time. I was skeptical at first and kind of perplexed, but as the time passed, I started finding a love for it. As I got older, thrift shopping became a staple in my life and I told anyone and everyone about it. I would bring my friends, family and fellow peers to the Salvation Army to give them the experience I had. My favorite items to pick out from the thrift store are trinkets, little gifts, accessories and, of course, clothes!

The first job I ever had was actually at Plato’s Closet — it taught me the ropes of the “somewhat thrift”/consignment side of the world.

I think that thrift shopping has a story behind it and every single piece is unique in its own way. The most perfect way to describe the experience is that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The stores that I gravitate towards the most are Salvation Army and Goodwill, as they have the most stuff for the lowest cost. They always have tons of sales, discounts for students and seniors, and 99-cent days!

I feel it’s important to thrift shop for a plethora of reasons. One reason is that it helps the environment (by keeping items out of landfills), while also giving back to a great cause. Thrift shopping is also somewhat of an escape for me. I can get lost in the stores for hours while browsing each and every single item. There is so much to look for when shopping. My personal favorite is purchasing cute things that I think that my friends or family would enjoy.

College students should get involved in thrift shopping to take a different approach to their shopping and fashion sense. You can try different things, looks and outfits all at a low cost. My favorite thing to do is “Ball on a Budget.” I have stumbled across top name brands such as Lululemon, Louis Vuitton, Urban Outfitters, Free People and more in thrift stores!

While thrift shopping may seem outlandish to those who do not participate in it, the best advice I can give is ‘don’t knock it, until you try it’! The first time my mother took me thrift shopping I was skeptical, for sure. Now I think it’s the coolest thing one can do and definitely a full-time hobby of mine.

In fact, I have turned this passion of mine into a business for myself as well, starting in high school. After I accumulated so many unique pieces, I realized I wanted to share these with the world. I started an online thrift store that has stuck with me throughout high school and now, college.

Thrift shopping is something that I will always hold near and dear in my heart, I think it has such a great back story and really helps out those in need of things. It gives back to the environment in so many ways, as well as helping you spruce up your closet without breaking the bank.

One of my favorite things that happens throughout my life is when somebody asks where my outfit is from and I reply with: “The Salvation Army!” So many people are stunned and shocked when they realize you can get great quality items for such a discounted price, and I like to think my love and passion for thrifting has rubbed off on those around me.

Learn more about local thrift stores and consignment shops here.