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More than makeovers: Devereux MA/RI’s cosmetology program helps students gain skills, confidence
“My favorite part is learning new things because in the real world I’ll need to know these types of things to work at a nail salon or have my own business.”
Students enrolled in Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s cosmetology program are gaining hands-on salon experience, and expressing themselves creatively in the process. Through the after-school program, students have an opportunity to build job skills related to hairstyling, skin care, nail services and makeup, as well as social and communication skills. “I’ve been at Devereux for nearly 12 years. I see the bond between students and staff when it comes to cosmetology,” said Devereux MA/RI Vocational Coordinator Jysenia Valle. “When students see me with my hair braided, they’ll ask, ‘Who did your hair?’ I’ll say, ‘I did! It took me six hours.’ Then, they’ll say, ‘I want to learn.’ There’s an excitement around cosmetology, and I knew it was important to provide students with an opportunity to learn these skills.” Pursuing cosmetology as a careerValle says many students who participate in the program want to pursue cosmetology as a career. Look below to find out what a few of them enjoy most about the program. “I just love doing cosmo (cosmetology). I’ve learned how to wrap hair and clean stuff. I was nervous when I first started, but now I’m comfortable. I’ve learned it’ll benefit me in the real world. I can make money off it and do my own thing. This is what I want to do when I’m older.”
“It’s something calming that I enjoy. I’ve learned how to do basic hair stuff like curling and straightening. I had fun doing facials on people because it’s a different experience. I hadn’t done facials before and thought it was going to be hard. But when we went through the steps together, it was much easier than I thought it would be.”
“My family is into hair, nails and makeup. I thought, maybe I can follow in their footsteps. I like doing hands-on things and I started participating in the program when it first opened. I’ve learned how to do facials and lashes, clean brushes and disinfect things.”
Demonstrating patience, passionIn addition to increasing job and life skills, Valle says students are learning the importance of patience, as well as how to develop healthy relationships and set boundaries. “Students may not be familiar with some of the cosmetology skills. When I instruct and guide them, instead of becoming frustrated, they are willing to engage and understand,” Valle shared. “They’re persistent and passionate about the program. They’re also extremely professional. When they have a ‘customer,’ they know that person is their client, and they are the employee. It’s like a switch.” Devereux MA/RI Executive Director Nadyia Abbas, M.A., CAGS, LMHC, LADC-I, noted, “Our students are truly blossoming in the cosmetology program. With Jysenia leading the way, they are acquiring valuable skills they can carry with them after they leave our care. This program is providing them with hands-on training and mentorship – it is unlocking their potential – and confidence – in remarkable ways.” Learn more about Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.
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