At the beginning of the year, Mariah Zeigler, a sophomore, had a decision to make: should she apply for the Cosmetology program? The program is run Career and Technical Education (CTE) and is one of eight available programs. The Cosmetology class will last two years, in which participants will earn 1500 hours of credit by doing hair, and nails and practicing skincare. At the end of the two years, they will be able to earn a Cosmetology License in the state of Michigan. This allows students to receive their license as soon as they graduate, as well as being able to skip out on the regular cost of the course, which is around $15,000.

Zeigler had been debating on taking this course since her freshman year but wasn’t sure she was ready to commit to something so long-term. She says that she is excited about the opportunity to work amongst professionals and learn new skills.

“I really like cosmetology and I would like to do this as my job, at least for a while,” Zeigler said. “It’s a lot of hard work.”

The curriculum consists of three main areas: nails, hair and skincare. Zeigler said she was particularly interested in working with nail designs. “I really have always liked doing my nails since Covid. I got really into it and growing my skills would just be very helpful and important.”

Ajanae Bullard, another hopeful participant in the Cosmetology program, commented on the lack of awareness for the course in the district.

“I think it needs to be represented more because a lot of people do not know about the cosmetology program,” Bullard said. “I’m pretty sure a lot of people didn’t see any advertising.”

Apart from the course, Bullard has created her own business doing nails for others. She found her passion over the summer when a friend showed her the basics of acrylic nails. “It was very expensive but totally worth it!” Bullard said.

Both of these students decided to take the cosmetology course for a variety of personal reasons, but why else did they take it? CTE programs, specifically the cosmetology program, offer a science credit as well as elective credits, allowing students to efficiently get their credits completed while participating in a class that they enjoy.

Zeigler said that the application process was pretty straightforward as well, requiring hopeful students to fill out a Google Form, get two recommendation letters from teachers, and take part in an interview.

“Even though the program can be intimidating at first, I think it will make me a more professional cosmetologist,” Zeigler said. “You’re mostly surrounded by adults, so the curriculum is designed for adults, making it more advanced.”

Whether they’re learning nail designs, studying the best skincare techniques, or the trendiest hairstyles, Zeigler and Bullard are prepared to take everything out of the course that they can.

“I just think it’s such a great opportunity,” Zeigler said. “I’m just ready to do my best and learn as much as I can.”