I started school at Douglas J Aveda Institute in October of 2016 and I thought it would be a breeze. My curriculum is about four months long then I can take state boards and become a licensed esthetician. I remember thinking to myself, "Four months? Psh, must be an easy program. I'll fly through it and be done in no time." Let me tell you something. The last three months have been the most draining, emotional, and busy months of my life.

Once you graduate into Gamma, not only do you have homework LITERALLY ALL OF THE TIME but you also have guests 4 days a week from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. It's basically like a full time job. You're running around performing facials, stress relievers, body treatments, and full body waxing. And if you aren't performing a service, you're usually either helping a classmate get ready for their next service or doing laundry. That's another thing. THE LAUNDRY NEVER STOPS IN THE SPA. There's always someone switching the laundry over or folding it.

The thing I've currently been stressing out about the most is state boards. If you've never heard of state boards, it's basically a two part test you have to pass after you graduate school to get your license in whatever it is that you're studying. You have to pass one written exam and one practical exam. Which is a facial and a mock wax. Doesn't seem too hard, right? I do this stuff every day. WRONG. We have to have our supplies packed and labeled a certain way or we can take our practical exam that day. The fact that I'm a little over a month away from having to take state boards is terrifying, but luckily, I have a very supportive fiancee and very supportive friends.

When I signed up for school I was expecting product knowledge, how to do the practical work, and some book work. I was not, however, expecting to learn about anatomy, chemistry, and the integumentary system. I was awful at science in high school, but honestly, the educators are so helpful and understanding. I was so afraid of failing the science portion of my intro class and they made sure that failing wasn't an option. I love that they genuinely want you to succeed.

As much work and stress that school has put me through I wouldn't change it for the world. Personally, I've learned more in the last three months than I did in two semesters of college. I've made people skills that will carry me through life and help me build my clientele once I graduate and leave Douglas J. I made friends that I know will be here forever. I never in a million years expected to I would be in beauty school, but I've never been so sure of something in my entire life.

Esthiology is my true passion in life and I can't wait to see where it takes me.