Cosmetology is my passion because I want to be a light to the world around me! At first glance, many people may say how are you going to make the world a better place with makeup and hair?? I have fond memories of my years in my youth group at church going on visits to the nursing home. The residents there had a special place in my heart. I remember the first time we went I was so nervous because I had no idea what to expect and truly didn't think I would have anything in common with the elderly folks there. It was the week before Mothers Day and we knew some of the ladies there would be expecting visits from their families so our mission was to offer them fresh manicures. I honestly didn't think they would be all that interested but once we arrived with all our supplies, they poured in. The room was all abuzz with excitement as they looked through all the various colors of nail polish trying to make a decision. Once decided, they sat and allowed us to pamper them. That day as we sat and painted nails and listened to their stories and laughed at their jokes I realized we are all human and we all desire the same basic things. We need each other and we need to feel loved and cared for. I know it wasn't just the fresh coat of nail polish that made their day that day it was the time and the attention we gave them. This experience taught me so much about the power of cosmetology and how important it can be in transforming a person not only outwardly but inside as well. I have since also discovered, through social media, how depression can cause people to abandon their own hygiene and care. Having the ability and the compassion to take a person in this situation and help them clean their hair, brush it out and then cut and style it for them can make a huge difference. Although it may seem you have only changed outward appearances a much bigger change takes place because a simple makeover can be the catalyst they need to find the motivation to start making even bigger changes in their lives and realizing that they are still wonderful beautiful humans worthy of self respect and self-care. I hope that with my cosmetology license I can begin a lifelong career of helping people not only feel better about themselves physically but also mentally and emotionally. I want to be that friend that they can always open up to when they've had a hard day and I want them to leave my salon feeling refreshed and new. My goals for my future are to begin in a salon and learn from experienced beauticians and then continue my education in business skills so that I can one day open my own salon that will offer the full package spa and beauty needs.

Texas is by far the best place on earth. I say this because I have grown up in Texas all my life and I have traveled to every corner of the state with my parents. We are a very outdoorsy type of family and we love to fish and hunt and go camping. I have seen every aspect of Texas from the hill country to the great plains to the forests of East Texas to the Gulf of Mexico and the most southern tip of Texas. Any environment you dream of is right here in Texas and there is beauty to be seen everywhere. Texas is incredibly big you could travel a whole year and still not experience it all. I am so grateful I have gotten to experience a large part of it and I have also gotten to experience the wonderful people of Texas. Southern hospitality is a real thing and I miss it when I am anywhere else but Texas. I am proud to be a Texan!

I have struggled with my mental health since I can remember. My biggest issue is my anxiety. As a child, I remember clinging to my mother deathly afraid of everything and everyone. As I started school it was the most difficult thing in the world being there all day every day and seeing how the other kids seemed to learn and make friends effortlessly. In second grade after a long night of trying my best to finish the math homework I had and ending the night in not only my own meltdown but my mother all but giving up as well; we called my teacher and asked for help. That night was a pivotal moment in my life. I was held back that year and enrolled in speech therapy, counseling and an IEP. Suddenly I had a group of teachers, diagnosticians and support staff at my fingertips ready to help me succeed. I have come so far in the last 13 years. I truly questioned many times if I would be able to not only graduate but also attend college. It seemed so impossible. Nowadays, I am passing all my classes with A's and B's , I'm reading on my grade level and I'm overcoming my fears one by one every day. I still struggle with anxiety, it hasn't disappeared. I don't believe it ever will. However, I am learning to step into the drivers seat and take control instead of letting it control me. Anxiety is such a misunderstood issue. Many people believe anxiety is only situational and it can be but sometimes my anxiety hits me out of nowhere for no apparent reason and it completely throws off my whole day. Its very hard to concentrate and focus when you are constantly having so many thoughts running through your head all at once. Its especially hard to be confident and bold when your head is telling you that no-one likes you and that you are not good enough or not smart enough or not popular enough. When you struggle just to have a regular conversation with someone and make small talk because your constantly over thinking every word you say and how you look and how you sound. Its truly exhausting. I chose to pursue a career in Cosmetology for many reasons, one being that I as I overcome my fears of speaking and socializing I've discovered the best way to do that is to throw myself into those exact situations. Another reason I chose this field is because I want to help others that have mental health issues. I want to to not only make people feel beautiful on the outside but also help them to know that they are good enough and that everyone has something to offer. I know that through the art of Cosmetology I can make a difference and I'm looking forward to it.

I believe beauty isn't just about looks its about making a person feel whole again. I remember growing up my mother was our youth director and she took us to nursing homes to visit the residents. We would often take nail polish and supplies and give them all manicures. its amazing how their eyes would light up when we walked in . In know it wasn't just about the manicures it was about the relationships we developed with them while also making them feel human again. For a moment we could take them "out" of the nursing home into a salon in their mind and make them feel young and beautiful again. they always looked forward to it and so did I. I don't want to just make people look beautiful I want to make them feel beautiful and loved. With my certification I would love to be able to continue volunteering in nursing homes and also women's protective services. Again working in a church as a volunteer I was able to see different situations during ministry. One of which is domestic violence and the aftermath. Many women in this situation feel so ugly and worthless, Many times we think about the basic needs: food , water, clothing and shelter. However being able to gift makeup and hygiene products to these ladies makes such a difference in their self esteem. taking it one step further by giving these ladies makeovers is life changing for some. Many times these ladies have heard the words: you're too ugly, no one will ever love you, no one cares about you, you'll never amount to anything , you are worthless; and they believe it. However, something as simple as a wash and cut, and a facial and full face of makeup and fresh manicure can give them that boost they need to remember who they are and how amazing they truly are. Cosmetology for me isn't just about making money and moving on its about the relationships I build and the lives I change along the way. I have seen ladies and men as well so depressed that they have completely let themselves go. They have abandoned any semblance of hygiene and self care. its truly heartbreaking to see this type of suffering. I know I cannot cure anyone of depression or pain, but I do know that with what I learn through cosmetology school I can bring a light into their lives. Please consider me for this scholarship it means so much to me to make a difference in this difficult world.