Before enrolling in Milan Institute of Cosmetology, Deira had been working full time as an assistant manager in a convenience store. It was just a job, not her dream career. Deira wanted something more, something she was passionate about and something that would allow her to use her creativity. It took her awhile to find the right outlet. When she heard about Milan Institute of Cosmetology opening in El Paso, she realized that this was her future. “I decided that I needed to go back to school. I wanted more out of life, and I realized I needed training to make a better future for myself and my family,” says Deira.

Deira continued working full time even though she enrolled as a full-time student. It was a lot to handle, but she persevered. “I had many obstacles while I was in the Cosmetology program. I was working full time, and my fiancé had health issues,” she explains. Through the encouragement of her family and fiancé, she found the strength to carry on and be successful in her program. “I am a hard worker. I always try my best to reach my goals. I try not to breakdown, and I continue to always move forward,” Deira says.

Since graduating in December 2011, Deira has continued her forward momentum. For over a year she has been employed at Touch Discount Spa in El Paso where she is a front office manager. Touch is a full-service day spa and salon that provides a complete spa experience that includes services for massage, waxing, hair, makeup and nails. Deira says, “I love everything about my new career! Someday I’d like to open my own salon or spa and have it be as great as my current job.”

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Starting out, Maria thought completing the program would be easy. She had no children, no boyfriend and thought she would have no obstacles to keep her from graduating. Looking back, Maria admitted, “I was wrong. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be!”

While enrolled in the Cosmetology program there were a number of challenges she had to overcome, including having to work two jobs to help pay her family’s mortgage. “Suddenly, I had no time to rest. I would go to work at my first job, then go to school and then go to my second job to work the graveyard shift. It was a lot of hard work,” she said. Due to her busy schedule, she lost touch with many friends and missed spending time with her family. According to Maria, she came to a point where she was nearly ready to give up and quit.

Although she faced many challenges, Maria continued to work toward her goal: “My experience here at Milan was the greatest experience of my life. What kept me going was one simple word ‘graduation.’ For me it has so much meaning and emotion. Since I hadn’t graduated from high school, I was determined to graduate from Milan with the training I needed to begin a career.” In recalling her drive and persistence to complete the program, Maria revealed, “I have no idea where all that courage came from. I am very proud of myself!”

Maria graduated from the Cosmetology program in September 2012 and plans to work as a hairstylist for a year or two. Her future goal is to work as a stylist at runway fashion shows. She also hopes to donate her time and services to those in need.

As a graduate, Maria’s advice to current and future students is: “Do not give up! There might be struggles and obstacles that try to hold you back from finishing what you started, but it is worth fighting for. Listen to your instructors, be physically and mentally involved, and observe as much as you can. And most of all, be positive, be creative and have fun!”

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]]> http://www.milaninstitute.edu/graduate-profile-maria-gonzales/feed/ 0 http://www.milaninstitute.edu/graduate-profile-christina-castaneda/ http://www.milaninstitute.edu/graduate-profile-christina-castaneda/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 23:16:46 +0000 Sean McMullen http://milaninstitute.edu/?p=2750 “I was a very shy girl who lacked confidence,” recalled Christina Castaneda about her pre-cosmetology days. She decided to enroll at Milan Institute of Cosmetology in La Quinta, California, to overcome her shyness and build up her confidence. Before starting the Cosmetology program, she had recently been laid off from her job. She decided to go back to school because, as a single mother, she wanted to provide a better life for her child, “I wanted to show my daughter that the sky is the limit,” Christina said.

Although she faced many obstacles while enrolled in the program, including a custody battle for her daughter, Christina’s time at Milan Institute of Cosmetology was unforgettable. According to Christina, “My experience at Milan improved my self esteem. If it wasn’t for the love and strength I received from the instructors, students, and staff who helped me along the way, I might have quit school and given up on my dream.” Christina successfully completed her training in about 13 months. “At the time, the program seemed like a very long road, but when I reached the end, I experienced a feeling of pride that I will never forget,” she said.

Since graduating, Christina has become a hairstylist at the Great Clips salon in La Quinta. Regarding her new career, she declared, “I love what I do. My manager is an amazing hairstylist and a role model.” According to Milan’s career services staff, “Christina is currently being considered for a salon manager position with Great Clips. The salon manager has asked us to send them twenty-five more graduates just like her.” Christina has a passion for making people feel good about themselves. She revealed, “The real reward is to see a huge smile when the client gets up from my chair. It’s a very satisfying feeling.”

Christina continues to dream big. She is currently enrolled in school pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and marketing with a long-term goal of someday owning several salons. When asked what advice she would give to future Milan students and graduates, she recommended, “We all want a better life, whether it is financially or enabling our kids to live more comfortably. No matter what happens in life, keep pushing forward and strive to accomplish your dream. Dreams do come true!”

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