That movie makes me cry so hard.
» Arwen is a 25-year-old New York native. Originally hailing from Long Island, she likes to spend most of her time in New York City. She's loud, quirky, and has a short attention span. Some of the things she enjoys are sushi, video games, cosmetics, and all things Japanese. More?

Cosmetology: my calling in life

I started the cosmetology program on January 4th. In that time, I’ve made such a progression that even my instructor (who’s been teaching the class for a while, and has been in the industry for decades) is amazed at my skill. The week that I started, it was announced that there would be an updo competition the following Monday. The teacher encouraged us new students to participate as well, for practice. I ended up placing among the top six winners for the competition (this is the ‘do I did). The teacher isn’t allowed to tell the winners what their exact places were, but she strongly urged me to join this organization called SkillsUSA so that, if I so wished, she could enter me in further competitions.

I’ve already made three networking contacts, two of them being former teachers from high school. The third works in a nail salon, and said that if I get business cards made up, she’ll put them in her salon. If I get chosen for the next SkillsUSA competition, that will be in March. My former fashion teacher wants to enlist me to help out with not only the next fashion show they put together, but also with the school’s musical. My other former teacher needs someone to help with styling for portfolio photos, and it could eventually turn into a paid gimmick. A friend of mine is getting married in November and I’ve been promised the job as her makeup artist and stylist, and I have friends practically lined up wanting to be my guinea pigs to practice on.

It’s a shame that I didn’t get to start doing this a couple years ago when I first became interested in beauty school. I was discouraged, and was told that “beauty school is for high school drop-outs.” Well, the school that I’m going to requires a high school diploma or equivalent to join the program, so the statement used to discourage me wasn’t entirely accurate. Plus, there’s a lot more to learning about hair, skin, and nails than you might think… it’s definitely not a course for those who completely lack intelligence (though I will admit, the girls in my class are pretty ditzy). The course includes basic anatomy and physiology principles, specific techniques, theory, and some of the stuff we practice is fairly difficult.

But anyway, I’m really glad I decided to take cosmetology. It’s a big part of everything that’s going right with my life, and I really think it’s my calling. This is what I was “meant” to do.

January 15th, 2010 | Beauty, Life, School | Leave a response

12 Comments

1/15/10 @ 8:43 pm // John said:

I look back and think of how stupid I was at thinking that certain professions are for certain people. This week alone I’ve gone into 3 gas stations, 2 convenience stores, a pizzeria, a McDonald’s, and without the people that supposedly couldn’t make it elsewhere I’d be gasless and hungry.

And seriously, I love the do… if you can make serious bank then do it!

1/15/10 @ 10:35 pm // Biang said:

I like the do so much.. it’s very neat.. that was awesome.. do whatever makes you happy.. good luck :)

1/16/10 @ 12:26 pm // Amber said:

It sounds like you’ve finally found your niche. Good luck with everything. I think it’s awesome that they’ve recognized your skills and are pushing you in a positive way. ^_^

1/16/10 @ 1:23 pm // Roro said:

Really happy for you, Arwen! And congratulations on the competition. It IS a huge deal, and I know you will be glad to get the stability back in life once the cosmetology school and job craziness stop :-) Do keep us posted!

1/16/10 @ 5:49 pm // Amanda said:

I’m really glad you found something that’s right for you Arwen – it can take some people their entire life, so the fact that you found it already is amazing!

1/16/10 @ 5:52 pm // Jenny said:

Oh nifty :D Good luck with it!

1/18/10 @ 2:20 pm // Erin said:

How exciting! I’m glad you’ve found something that you really enjoy, and are talented at. Good luck with your future competitions!

1/19/10 @ 12:29 pm // Kelly said:

I’m glad to hear that you found something that’s right for you. I really like the do, you’ve got talent!

1/21/10 @ 1:19 am // David said:

I’m glad to hear about your success! I say go for the program. I bet you’ll do very well :)

and that sucks that people used such a discouraging statement! There are plenty of famous, smart, and really talented people into that kind of stuff.

Hope to hear from you soon! I just started blogging again and am looking for some visitors. <3

1/21/10 @ 8:58 pm // Amanda said:

Wow, that’s a pretty complex up-do by the looks of it. Congratulations on your success and the fact that you enjoy it so much – i hope it continues well for you :)

1/26/10 @ 11:50 pm // Steffie said:

Congrats on the competition, it’s gorgeous! I seriously lack any skill when it comes to my hair, so I’m completely jealous of you.

It always angers me when people look down out truly wonderful professions. Some good friends of mine gave up their dreams becauseit was not “cool.” Now they’re working their tushies off for jobs they don’t care about.

I’m so happy that you’re doing what makes you happy! Heehee, good luck!!

1/29/10 @ 7:29 pm // C said:

glad to see you having success at things you like to do :} and wanted to just stop by and say hello :}

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