Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College Cosmetology students say the program is giving them the opportunity to prepare for their future dream careers while promoting a culture of service and a spirit of giving back to the community.
Under the guidance of faculty, students can perform complimentary services such as updos, pedicures, haircuts, facials and much more for visitors.
Services are available to the public Monday through Thursday at the college’s Cosmetology Center located on the second floor of the Shah Eye Center at 1506 E. Griffin Pkwy in Mission.
With every new face that comes in, students say the complementary services they are providing to clients enables them to get closer to the people they one day hope to serve on a regular basis when they graduate.
“I love having the ability to make people feel better about themselves and in turn, I feel the clients make me feel more secure about my work. This is how I know I have found the perfect career and business choice for myself,” said student Ana Gonzalez, who first obtained her associate degree in Business Administration from STC to prepare her for her own salon one day. “Now, I want even more people to stop by and give us a chance. Once they are here, I know they will realize that we are all eager to gain more experience and improve on the skills we already have. We need the practice to continue to perfect our skills.”
Cosmetology Program Chair Carla Balleza said by offering complimentary services to the community, her students not only get to perfect their skills as cosmetologists, but also their 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 that they need for the industry, which includes learning how to communicate with clients and customer service, which will allow them to develop a connection they will carry into their future careers,” said Balleza. “With the community’s help, we are building up their confidence for the industry and the future generation of cosmetologists.”
STC Cosmetology student Maria Sanchez said the whole experience has been exciting because the program promotes learning something new while connecting with the community.
“To me, this means more than cutting someone’s hair or fixing someone’s nails. We are talking to them and learning more about their feelings and understanding that what we are doing matters to them,” Sanchez said. “It’s nice to be that part of that moment in life that gives them confidence and makes them feel better about themselves.”
STC’s Cosmetology program provides a wide variety of complimentary services for staff, faculty and the public. Faculty with the program say they also take special consideration for students seeking help for potential job interviews and related services.
“We want to appeal to students who may also be taking advantage of similar services through the college’s Career and Employer Services department and invite them in to help them prepare for any big interview or special event they may have,” Balleza said. “We’re ready to provide any type of assistance to help them on their way.”
To learn more about STC’s Cosmetology services, visit the program’s bookings website at www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/cosmetology/.
