Hair dryers blow in the backround as cosmetology students work on their skills and help clients to feel and look their best.
Cosmetology, of EWCTC, overflows with a class of 32 students looking to expand skills for their future career. Along with Latrobe students, Derry and Ligonier high schools join together to work side by side. The atmosphere is filled with hair dryers, mannequin heads, styling tools, nails and conversation.
Junior, Maddie Morrison has been attending tech since her sophomore year. “I like getting a break from school everyday to do something fun but still important,” shares Morrison.
But tech isn’t just about diving right into projects; lots of hard work comes first. Before any project can be carried out, theory work must be learned. This consists of a packet of information, vocabulary, and small quizzes to ensure that future stylists learn the material as best they can.
Working closely with students from other schools is very beneficial and helps to branch out community realtionships. “I really like the social aspect. It helps to get to know everyone better and get out of their comfort zone. I think the best work happens with good conversation,” said Morrison.
Perfecting difficult skills helps to shape students and become their best. “Color formulating is probably the most difficult thing to learn. It is a ratio of color to hair. It’s knowing what colors to use and how to get that final outcome,” Morrison shared.
As cosmetology students develop, they get a chance to work hands-on with real clients. “Getting experience with real clients is really helpful. I like getting to talk to them and setting up consultations. The consultations help to learn how often they get their hair done, what they want that day and much more,” said Maddie.
This course helps students prepare for the future significantly. Once leaving tech, a graduating cosmetology student will take a test to earn a cosmetology license.
EWCTC students work hard out of the classroom as well, with a recent event coming up. A state competition will be taking place to showcase students’ talent. Every Tech program in the area will attend to compete in Skills USA against each other. Representing Cosmetology are juniors Maddie Munchinski and Lily Cowan. Maddie will work on her nails, while Lily does her hair. The winner of the competition will get a chance to compete in Hershey for three days. With a win in Hershey, they will get a chance to participate in nationals.
Along with competitions, the cosmetology class hosts many events to engage with the community. The upcoming event will be called the Jumping Jungle and is hosted at EWCTC. Each ticket is $30 dollars and includes face paint, spray tattoos, hair chalk and tinsel, an obstacle course, cupcakes, nail painting, and a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos. The event is for little kids and the money earned will go towards a hair show in New York.
Cosemtology teacher, Mrs. WIlliams shares how she got into teaching cosemology. “I did this right out of high school. I went to beauty school and then I went back to school and got my teacher’s license. There’s a cosmetology teacher license as well. Then I moved to Florida for eight years. When I came home, I didn’t love this area for the industry and I thought teaching was much better for here,” said Williams.
Mrs Williams has a extensive history with the cosmetology field. She worked in Florida at Del Ray Beach for eight years as a hair colorist. She feels passionately about hair coloring and wants to help share it with her students.
The cosmetology program at EWCTC helps to shape students into better versions and help prepare them for their future. It shows students how hard work and dedication will pay off.