Education is meant to prepare students for the real world. Although a traditional education without career-specific classes readies students for their futures, Career Center classes allow students to delve deep into subjects that they are interested in and plan on pursuing as adults. The cosmetology program offered at the Career Center enables students to complete a three-year program that will prepare them for professional careers in beauty treatment or simply allow them to explore topics they are interested in. 

“[This class] grabbed my attention and it’s something that people can learn pretty easily,” senior Nicole Mendoza said. “This way I won’t have to pay another person to do my makeup or nails.”

The classes offer extensive training and resources needed in order to become a hairdresser, nail salon owner or makeup artist, as well as many other beauty-oriented careers. The cosmetology classroom has multiple workstations equipped with the tools needed to perform a wide variety of services. However, even if students are not looking to pursue a career related to the class, they are able to use the skills for their own benefit. 

“The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology licenses individuals and businesses that perform barbering, cosmetology, nail care, waxing, tattooing, body piercing and esthetics,” the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation website states. “The Board also regulates individuals who teach and schools that provide training in those areas.”

During a student’s first year, they study cosmetology theory, which is the basis for the rest of the course. Many entry-level jobs draw upon the skills learned in part one of the three-year class. In the second year, students learn through a scientific approach gaining lab experience and in the third year students focus on preparing for the Virginia State Board Cosmetology exam.

“We learn how to cut hair, how to iron and curl it, apply makeup, and do nails and many other interesting things,” Mendoza said. “Cosmetology is more of a pastime for me, however, if I want to pursue a career in cosmetology, by the end of my three years I will have the resources I need to do so.”

This Career Center class allows students the freedom to explore their passions while also gaining professional knowledge. It provides students with a more hands-on learning experience than most of their other classes, giving them a change from conventional schooling. Whether students plan to become professional hairstylists or simply want to brush up on their hair-cutting skills to save money at the salon, the cosmetology class offered at the Career Center opens many doors for all its students.   

“I love the Career Center because it allows students to get real hands-on experiences and learn valuable lessons that they will never forget,” school counselor Nicole Wiley said. “After this course, students can decide if this is a career path that they want to follow. Students who want to continue in this field will be well prepared for the additional training needed to work in the beauty industry, in a salon or one day run their own salon.”