STATE COLLEGE, Pa - It’s hard to miss Ben Thompson in his oversized scarf and skinny jeans while walking on the library lawn of Penn State’s campus. In a sea of students, Ben sticks out due to his tall height and fashion sense.
“From an outsider point of view I am a different individual walking around these streets,” says Thompson of walking around the streets of State College. Thompson grew up in northern New Jersey about an hour outside of New York.
He says that while he may not stick out in New York, the State College fashion scene consists mostly of “Penn State sports apparel, loose blue jeans and baggy sweatpants,” which greatly contrasts much of his fashion sense.
“A lot of people have said that in Europe or New York I would look normal, but here I look gay, but honestly I don’t know,” said Thompson. “I am trying to go for the euro look but people assume I am gay by the way I look, talk and my mannerisms.” He addresses that his fashion sense has caused people in the State College area to judge his sexuality.
This raises the question about stereotyping, homophobia and cultural norms at Penn State. But Ben does not let judgement bother him and lives everyday by continuing to be himself and surround himself with friends that support him.
Thompson is not only different than most Penn Staters in terms of fashion. He is in bed by 11pm at the latest and up everyday by 7am. Ben frequents Starbucks before class where the employees now recognize him and his order of a “Venti Iced Coffee with seven pumps of caramel and light ice.” “I believe living like a grandpa is a more simple way of living,” says Ben.
Thompson says his education in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences has strengthened his critical writing, analytical thinking and interpersonal skills. Last summer Thompson had an internship as a “style guru” for College Fashionista.
This upcoming summer, Thompson plans to continue his passion of fashion as an intern for Burlington Coat Factory. “Every opportunity I take I feel helps me progress as an individual and learn more about myself,” Thompson says.
Thompson will be studying abroad in Amsterdam next semester. Next year, you can find him performing for the Penn State Thespians, taking runs on campus or enjoying a coffee at Starbucks downtown.