"Look -- THIS girl made it!"
By Amelia Hogue, senior Cosmetology
“Don’t you want to DO something with your life?”
“You can’t go to college if you go to LCCTC, can you?”
I’m living proof that the answers to both of these questions are positive proof in favor of career and technical education.
As a little girl, I always dreamed of a career in cosmetology, and the past 2 ½ years at LCCTC has helped this little girl realize that dream. When I first arrived to study cosmetology, I always thought that there was not much of a plan beyond my high school experience. For many students, employment beyond the CTC is a lucrative reality. However, as I prepare to enter the final semester of my senior year, my path is different because I now feel led to study beyond. Leaving high school with a cosmetology license will be amazing; when I hum the notes of the traditional graduation song, “Pomp and Circumstance” fresh in my memory, I know I exit secondary education with an employable skill, and this is a good thing.
However, while at the CTC, I learned that I can be more than I ever expected. I have pushed myself in the past 3 years more than ever. I didn’t just learn persistence over-night. Mrs.Cepro, my cosmetology teacher, has passed on all of the knowledge that she possibly can for the past 3 years -- not only in the cosmetology field but also for my future life. The biggest lesson she taught me was to follow my dream. I realize that may not always be what everyone wants for me, but she has encouraged me to follow my heart. She pushed me to be the best cosmetologist, and for that I am grateful, but more importantly, she pushed me to become a kinder human in this cruel, harsh world and to be true to myself.
My teachers have challenged me to be my very best self. Fundraising for people in need and participating in various community outreach programs through Peer Leadership and serving on Student Council for the past three years has encouraged me to “do unto others” and develop a true hands-on sense of teamwork. Experiencing hands-on leadership opportunities through The Future is Mine encourages me to think beyond my initial goals Balancing it all as I maintain a grade point average allows me to continue on in National Technical Honor Society and gives me the motivation to work hard and keep going no matter the circumstance. Public speaking achievements through both my Dual Enrollment Speech class and in SkillsUSA competition makes this next chapter of my life that much sweeter motivating me to pursue a degree in Communications.
Picking where to further my education was no walk in the park. I considered so many factors: safety, graduation rates and the program I am interested in and it still isn’t an easy decision. However, once I walked around Clarion’s campus, I genuinely felt at home -- like I knew it was meant to be. This gave me peace with my decision.
Months passed since my visit, and I didn’t know if my newest goal would be possible, but getting that big golden packet in the mail saying, “Congratulations! You’re accepted!” gave me a huge sense of comfort and relief. I knew in that moment that the past three years I have been pushing myself so hard was worth it. I could have given up, but I kept going.
I have been proud to be a LCCTC Eagle, and I look forward to being able to make a great wage as a cosmetologist -- on a weekend here and there and during my summer break; becoming a Clarion Eagle on August 24th 2020 will be my next challenge, but I’m not going into it without the tools I need to achieve success. It will be a different world, but it is a journey I can hardly wait to start.
So to answer the questions from above: “Yes you can make something of your life as you further your education -- even after learning a skill at a trade school.” I mean look -- this girl made it.
I personally want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you to every teacher, staff member and student who pushed me to strive high. I could not have made it this far without any of you. Now keep it coming because I am nowhere near done with achieving my goals.
