SACRAMENTO, CA—In a surprising development that is making its rounds across the internet all over the world, this male model has successfully put on his shirt all by himself.
Witnesses confirm that Troy Powers, 26, just before a photo shoot for a catalog of men's clothing, was given a button-up shirt. Although he initially seemed confused at what he was holding in his hands, he quickly refused help from any of the staff, stating "No! I can do it!"
After turning the item of clothing over in his hands several times, turning it inside-out and then back again, sources who were present during the event stated that he eventually got his arm through one of the sleeves.
"It was the wrong one, of course," said witness Megan Cruse, 31, makeup specialist, "but he did it without any help!"
After several more minutes of frustration and anger, Powers eventually figured out what had gone amiss, and took the sleeve off again. Bystanders were tempted to offer assistance again, but the look of determination on Powers's face warded them off.
"He seemed determined to do it himself," commented Randall Kartcher, 41, the photographer. "We were running out of time for the shoot, but I figured that it would be good for his little ego if he could have this sense of accomplishment, so I told everyone to just let him try."
As soon as he got one arm in the correct sleeve, the other seemed to follow with minimal effort, according to witnesses. But it was too soon to start to celebrate.
"Yeah, he looked down at those buttons and let out a deep sigh like he might start crying," said Cruse.
"Poor little guy," added Kartcher.
Powers had to start over 3 times after getting the wrong button and hole lined up, but after about 15 minutes of patience, he had gotten all but the top two buttons.
"Good job, Troy!" everyone exclaimed at his accomplishment.
"You should have seen him smile, the little slugger," related Kartcher. "He was beaming for the rest of the shoot. You can't blame him for those top two—those are the hardest ones. No one said anything, though. He earned that moment."
Mr. Powers has reportedly also improved in his time since that shoot. Earlier this week he was able to get a sweater on, with his head and hands through the right holes on the first try.
"We're just so proud of him," shared Cruse. "I remember when he first came to a shoot here. He'd get scared of the bright lights and everything. He's come a long way."
When invited to comment, Powers grew reluctant to speak, and instead hid behind Kartcher's leg until we went away.