Texas Border Project
By Joey Gomez
McAllen, Texas – Cosmetology students at South Texas College say the program offers the opportunity to promote a culture of service and a spirit of giving back to a community while preparing for a future dream career.
Under the guidance of the faculty, students can perform free services such as updos, pedicure, haircuts, facials and more for their visitors.
Services will be open to the university’s beauty centre on the second floor of the Shah Ai Centre at Mission 1506 E. Griffin PKWY from Monday through Thursday.
With every new face coming in, students say the complementary services they offer to their clients can get closer to those who hope to serve regularly at one point at graduation.
“I love that people have the ability to feel good about themselves, and in turn, I feel that clients feel safer about my work. Student Anna Gonzalez, one day, received an associate degree in business administration from STC and first prepared her salon to prepare her for her salon, and I know that I found the perfect career and business choice for myself. “Now, I want more people to stop by and give us a chance. Once they’re here, they know that we’re all keen to gain more experience and want to improve the skills we already have. It takes practice to keep completing the skills.”
Beauty Program Chair Carla Baleza said by providing free services to the community that not only completes students’ skills as hairdressers, but also soft skills such as communication and customer service. She calls this a win-win.
“It’s really important for students to develop the soft skills they need for the industry. This includes learning how to communicate with clients and customer service. “With the help of our community, we are increasing our confidence in the industry and the hairdressers of the future.”
STC beauty student Maria Sanchez said the whole experience is exciting as the program encourages learning new things while connecting with the community.
“For me, this means more than cutting someone’s hair or securing someone’s nails. We talk to them, learn more about their emotions and understand that we are important to them,” Sanchez said. “It’s great that it’s part of that moment in life and gives them confidence and makes them feel good about themselves.”
STC’s Cosmetology program offers a wide variety of free services to staff, faculty and the public. The program’s faculty also says they are considering special considerations for students seeking potential employment interviews and help with related services.
“We want to appeal to students who use similar services through their university careers and employer services departments and invite them to help prepare for the big interviews and special events they may have,” Baleza said. “We are ready to provide all sorts of support to help them along the way.”
For more information about STC’s beauty services, please visit the program booking website www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/cosmetology/.
