Warren Woods Tower (WWT) offers a Cosmetology program for junior and senior high school students. Every day, clients walk through their doors for appointments or walk in’s, giving great experience to the students. Most beauty schools can cost between $15,000 – $20,00 dollars, but here it’s free.
The students work very hard to achieve their own success and have a dedicated work schedule. Working every day from 2 pm to 5:30 pm and a few weeks before and after school even starts, hours quickly accumulate and turn into college credits. It’s a long process for these girls but it’s worth it.
This program isn’t just for students attending WWT, it’s also available to students from Grosse Pointe, Center Line, Van Dyke, Fitzgerald, and other Macomb County high schools.
Fann Vanneste ’13, goes to Grosse Point North and found out about WWT’s program through a friend. She wants to work full time in a salon while also going to college part time.
Many of the girls working in Cosmetology have already chosen the salon they would like to work at. Fann says that she wants to work at ‘London Calling’ located on Gratiot. They have been voted Best Salon for numerous years.
Once licensed, students have the opportunity to turn their hard work into 30 credits at Oakland Community College towards an Associates Degree in Salon Management.
Alex Hernalsteen, a senior at WWT, plans to use her credits to go to Oakland. Alex said that going Oakland was her first choice for college.
The idea of 30 free credits drew her to Oakland and she’s excited to start there. She wants to get her degree in management and eventually open her own salon. Staying after school every day for two years has given Alex the experience that is necessary in the work place. Not only has the experience been helpful to her, but it also gives her a good idea of what her own salon will be like one day.
Cosmetology students learn how to cut, style, and color hair but they will also learn theory and technical skills. Other subjects such as anatomy and chemistry are also essential for their education.
Working in this class gives students the confidence they need to do well and develop their skills. Senior Alyssa Harten, another WWT Cosmetology student, is using her skills to work her way through college.
According to Harten, the teachers at Warren Woods have been supportive and helpful. “Growing up I loved looked at magazines and found my love for hair and make-up,” Harten said.
Styling hair has always been an interest for Alyssa and she hopes to make it a temporary career as she goes to college.
Patty Fanson, WWT Cosmetology teacher, believes in the value of the program. “Graduates are excited about working in salons and it’s great to see my students go full circle,” Fanson said.
Even after the students graduate they come back to Fanson for extra help. Most students come back to review for the state board exam. It’s a very large part of getting a license and whatever they need she’ll be there happy to help.
“I’ve been doing this for 32 years and I still love teaching!” Fanson said. This is the kind of excitement that she hopes to pass on to her students.
Cosmetologists are always learning new things and this will happen all through-out their career.
This program allows students to get ahead in their career at an early age. It’s a free opportunity and a great way to start earning college credit while still in high school.
This article was featured in the Macomb Daily from December 20 2012
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