Before I went off to college, I thought that I would love to be a cosmetologist for a living. While it is still something I am passionate about, after going through cosmetology schooling in high school, I decided I wanted to go to college for something else. However, I am grateful for my cosmetology school experience. There are things you learn, and it isn't all about the hair or makeup.

How to be patient.

Patience was key in cosmetology school. Without patience, I would have never made it through! Dedicating two hours of my day in high school to cosmetology could get frustrating at times, especially when it came time to study and practice for my state board exam. In this field, you are constantly dealing with people. Clients, fellow stylists, etc. - and the experiences won't always be pleasant. However, I am grateful for this because I have learned how to be patient with others and also with myself.

How to be respectful and professional.

As mentioned before, you are constantly working with people in this field. Going through cosmetology school, you see how other people work in their professional environment. You definitely see how to act and how not to act in the work environment.Working with my teachers and seeing how they approached their work taught me how to be respectful and professional not only in the field of cosmetology, but any career I may take on in the future. From working with clients in the salon to going to hair shows in the city, I am grateful that cosmetology school taught me how to be a professional employee.

How to be dedicated.

If there is one thing I have learned in my cosmetology school experience, it is how to be a dedicated individual. Devoting my time to perfecting every aspect of my state board exam, working on an updo for a class competition, volunteering at fundraisers, and more are all things that have made me become a dedicated person. No matter what I am working on, I give my all and cosmetology school pushed me to do that. The constant support of everyone involved with the cosmetology program I went through taught me to always do my best because it will result in success.

Although I have chosen to go a different direction than cosmetology, the experience will always be something I am grateful for. While I am a licensed cosmetologist and can do a pretty great makeup look, I have learned so much more than that. I have learned about life, and even more about myself. Without cosmetology school, I wouldn't have found the path I am meant to take! While there are many judgements about cosmetology students there is one thing I know: cosmetology students are some of the hardest working people out there. We have to learn not only hands on work, but the science behind it. Our work may seem easy, but it takes so much dedication that others just don't understand. I will always look back on my experiences in cosmetology school when going through life, and while it may not be the career I am pursuing, it will help me in every task I take on.