Entering the workforce with style
TERRELL – Cecelia Carmona has something many don’t have at her age – great options.
As she prepares to enter the workforce, the 23-year-old Terrell native and recent graduate of the cosmetology program at Trinity Valley Community College has a handful of opportunities in front of her. She’s been offered positions in her hometown and in the nearby cities of Rockwall and Forney, but she really has her heart set on a notable salon in Dallas.
Her dream is to one day open her own salon – a goal that’s well within reach thanks to her training at TVCC.
“I graduated six months ago, but with the experience I got there, I feel like I’ve been doing this for five years,” Carmona said. “My instructors at TVCC were extremely supportive and they gave me so much confidence. It truly was a great experience.”
Classroom instruction is necessary in the cosmetology field, but the hands-on experience TVCC students get is invaluable as they train to work in a wide variety of service fields. TVCC-Terrell offers a complete Cosmetology Certification Program that includes instruction in hair, nail and skin care. The program takes just one full year to complete (three semesters, including a summer semester), with classes beginning in the spring (January through May) and fall (August through December).
Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In addition to the traditional classroom instruction, students are afforded the opportunity to practice on mannequins, each other and customers who get services at a discounted rate.
The program has a long history of success. Christine Henery, who has been with the program 14 years – including the last four as program director – points out that TVCC cosmetology students have a 100 percent passing rate on the State Practical Exam.
“Our No. 1 goal is to prepare our students to pass the state licensing exam,” Henery said. “Of course, we teach them so much above and beyond that. Our students get real-world skills that will open so many doors for them. When you choose to be a cosmetologist, the sky’s the limit.”
Lauren Lee Martin, a part-time cosmetology instructor, graduated from the program a little more than a decade ago. She worked in the cosmetology field for many years but has since changed course and transitioned into teaching in the program at TVCC.
“I got such a well-rounded education here,” Martin said. “The one-on-one instruction we’re able to give our students is so valuable. It’s very rewarding when you see a student come in here timid and meek and then, toward the end of their training, you notice a lightbulb go off and they begin to get it.”
Once they “get it,” the students charge head-on into the workforce.
“One of the many things that make us proud about our cosmetology program is that we train our students to be work-ready in a relatively short amount of time,” TVCC-Terrell Provost Dr. Algia Allen said. “I think that’s why it’s been so popular for so many years here. It’s not unusual for us to have a waiting list for enrollment.”
Henery says the program has seats for 25 students, but only 11 spots are open for the Spring 2015 term. To apply or for more information about admissions, testing requirements, financial aid and deadlines, students are asked to contact the TVCC-Terrell Guidance Office immediately at 972-563-4904.
Cost for customer services are: shampoo, shampoo/set, style -- $5; chemical services beginning at $15; manicures, facials and waxing -- $4-$6. Customers are accepted on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment by calling 972-563-4959, but walk-ins are also welcome. Customers requesting any chemical services are required to make an appointment. TVCC students and senior citizens (55 or older) receive an additional 20 percent discount.
As she prepares to enter the workforce, the 23-year-old Terrell native and recent graduate of the cosmetology program at Trinity Valley Community College has a handful of opportunities in front of her. She’s been offered positions in her hometown and in the nearby cities of Rockwall and Forney, but she really has her heart set on a notable salon in Dallas.
Her dream is to one day open her own salon – a goal that’s well within reach thanks to her training at TVCC.
“I graduated six months ago, but with the experience I got there, I feel like I’ve been doing this for five years,” Carmona said. “My instructors at TVCC were extremely supportive and they gave me so much confidence. It truly was a great experience.”
Classroom instruction is necessary in the cosmetology field, but the hands-on experience TVCC students get is invaluable as they train to work in a wide variety of service fields. TVCC-Terrell offers a complete Cosmetology Certification Program that includes instruction in hair, nail and skin care. The program takes just one full year to complete (three semesters, including a summer semester), with classes beginning in the spring (January through May) and fall (August through December).
Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In addition to the traditional classroom instruction, students are afforded the opportunity to practice on mannequins, each other and customers who get services at a discounted rate.
The program has a long history of success. Christine Henery, who has been with the program 14 years – including the last four as program director – points out that TVCC cosmetology students have a 100 percent passing rate on the State Practical Exam.
“Our No. 1 goal is to prepare our students to pass the state licensing exam,” Henery said. “Of course, we teach them so much above and beyond that. Our students get real-world skills that will open so many doors for them. When you choose to be a cosmetologist, the sky’s the limit.”
Lauren Lee Martin, a part-time cosmetology instructor, graduated from the program a little more than a decade ago. She worked in the cosmetology field for many years but has since changed course and transitioned into teaching in the program at TVCC.
“I got such a well-rounded education here,” Martin said. “The one-on-one instruction we’re able to give our students is so valuable. It’s very rewarding when you see a student come in here timid and meek and then, toward the end of their training, you notice a lightbulb go off and they begin to get it.”
Once they “get it,” the students charge head-on into the workforce.
“One of the many things that make us proud about our cosmetology program is that we train our students to be work-ready in a relatively short amount of time,” TVCC-Terrell Provost Dr. Algia Allen said. “I think that’s why it’s been so popular for so many years here. It’s not unusual for us to have a waiting list for enrollment.”
Henery says the program has seats for 25 students, but only 11 spots are open for the Spring 2015 term. To apply or for more information about admissions, testing requirements, financial aid and deadlines, students are asked to contact the TVCC-Terrell Guidance Office immediately at 972-563-4904.
Cost for customer services are: shampoo, shampoo/set, style -- $5; chemical services beginning at $15; manicures, facials and waxing -- $4-$6. Customers are accepted on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment by calling 972-563-4959, but walk-ins are also welcome. Customers requesting any chemical services are required to make an appointment. TVCC students and senior citizens (55 or older) receive an additional 20 percent discount.
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