The scent of roses greets me as my grandmother envelops me in a much-needed embrace. Her hands, weathered from years of migrant work, tell tales of hardship and resilience. Raised in a family of eighteen, she and her siblings worked the fields instead of attending school. Despite this, she later earned a cosmetology license, a testament to her determination. Her journey, from picking strawberries and cherries to studying at a Gary Job Corps School in New Mexico, embodies her unwavering work ethic. She instilled this ethos in my father, who in turn passed it down to me. Her advice to prioritize education echoes in my mind daily, a reminder of the opportunities she missed but ensured I would have. Her stories of segregation-era challenges, like being barred from the drive-in theater, where they could only watch from afar due to their race, highlight the systemic obstacles she faced. Despite these hardships, she embraced the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act as a chance for education, entering fifth grade without prior schooling. Her determination to succeed, despite ridicule, fueled her resolve. Generational trauma surfaced in our family, evident when both my father and I struggled with undiagnosed conditions—color blindness for him and dyslexia for me. Understanding her struggles provided context for our challenges, sparking empathy and resilience in us both. Through high school, her guidance remains a beacon. Whenever I face adversity, I ask myself, "What would Grams do?" Her wisdom and stories accompany me, shaping my decisions and resilience. Her weekly drives to school are cherished, filled with updates on family and nuggets of wisdom I carry throughout my day. Her life serves as a testament to endurance and the power of determination. Despite the odds, she navigated a path to education and success, paving the way for future generations. Her legacy is not just in her accomplishments but in the values she imparted—hard work, resilience, and the importance of education. Her journey into cosmetology holds a special significance for me. Learning about her journey from migrant fields to a licensed professional in cosmetology inspires me deeply. Her dedication to mastering a trade despite limited resources and educational opportunities demonstrates the transformative power of perseverance and passion. Her skills in cosmetology became a symbol of her ability to create beauty and uplift others, reflecting her innate talent and hard-earned expertise. In her embrace, amidst the scent of roses, I find strength and gratitude. Her journey from migrant fields to a licensed professional inspires me to persevere through challenges, cherishing every opportunity she fought for

The scent of roses floats to my nose as my grandmother brings me into a much-needed embrace. Her hands, marked by years of migrant work, tell stories of strawberry bushes and cherry orchards. The wrinkles around her smile reveal a lifetime of hard work mixed with moments of happiness. These lines are now appearing on my father's face as well. At the age of 10, in 1955, my grandmother and her 17 siblings were put to work by my great-grandfather, doing migrant work like picking strawberries, cherries, and cotton. "The work was hard and the days were hot," my dad would remind me whenever I complained, making me realize how easy I had it compared to his mother. This sparked my deep respect for her. How could my caring grandmother be so hard-working? When she speaks about her past and how her parents made her work instead of going to school, she always says, "Make sure you get a good education, so you can get a good job. I work in a factory because I didn't get a good education." Despite this, she earned a cosmetology license through sheer determination, a trait she passed down to my father and me. My grandmother, who knew what she had to do to survive, remains my biggest inspiration. When asked if she would change her past, she replied, "No. If I didn't go through what I went through, then I wouldn't have you or my kids. I survived for y'all, and that's a blessing." Inspired by her resilience, I am eager to pursue a cosmetology education. I aim to acquire specialized skills in hair styling, makeup application, nail care, and skincare. These skills will not only enable me to pursue a career in the beauty industry but also allow me to express my creativity. In the short term, my primary goal is to complete the cosmetology program and pass all exams. Following this, I plan to create a portfolio showcasing my skills and gain hands-on experience by working as an intern in a salon. This practical experience will hone my skills and provide insight into the beauty industry's real-world dynamics. Establishing connections with industry professionals, instructors, and peers is also crucial for networking and career growth. Looking at my long-term goals, I aspire to establish a loyal client base through exceptional service and skills. Building a strong reputation is key. Specializing in a particular area, such as hairstyling, makeup artistry, or skincare, is another goal. This focus will allow me to become a sought-after expert in my chosen field. Ultimately, I dream of opening and successfully running my own salon. Staying updated with the latest trends and techniques by attending workshops and advanced courses is essential for growth. I also hope to mentor new cosmetologists, guiding them through their journey. Pursuing a cosmetology education is a step towards a dynamic and creative career, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. My grandmother's journey from migrant work to earning a cosmetology license demonstrates the power of perseverance. Her legacy fuels my aspirations, motivating me to follow in her footsteps. Inspired by her story, I am determined to honor her legacy through my cosmetology education. The scent of roses and the warmth of her embrace remind me of the importance of family, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. My grandmother's life shows that with determination, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. This inspiration drives me forward, aiming to make a difference in the lives I touch, just as my grandmother has made in mine.