beauty school dropout.

Frenchie and I now have more in common than a love for pink hair.* If you catch my drift...While my reasons for leaving my school's program are far different, I am still in fact a "Beauty School Dropout." And I'm totally okay with that. In fact, I feel pretty darn content. That's absolutely nothing against the Paul Mitchell program. I actually feel incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity, and appreciate everything that I learned in my time at The System. Not only in my education, but also what I learned of who I am as a person, and who I want to be. It was an incredible experience. And I wouldn't change a thing, even though it did mean that in the end I would have to one day (today) put my big girl pants on and have a few awkward conversations.

What I realized is this:

While cosmetology is SUCH a fascinating industry, and one that greatly interests me, it isn't where my passion lies. My heart just wasn't invested in it, and everyday I felt like my gut was telling me I wasn't in the right place for me. But I didn't want to listen. I kept pushing these thoughts aside, and going through the motions. And then last night, I finally stopped, and truly listened to myself. I finally accepted that I was going into this profession for the wrong reasons, and after a long talk and sobfest with my husband (it sounds like he was crying too, but he totally wasn't. i wish he was, though...just because it'd be kiiind of hilarious) I made my decision.

This morning, I walked into my school, found my ever so lovely learning leader, Mendi, and had the "dreaded" talk. There may or may not have been a few more sobs. And you know what? It wasn't that bad. Again, it was awkward and slightly embarrassing, because after Mendi, I had to go have this talk with three other people...but it wasn't that bad. It wasn't like I thought there would be flames and pitchforks, but I was a little nervous. But after talking with all of these amazing people, I only felt a greater sense of relief. And that's why I loved my school, and the culture of Paul Mitchell. It's such an encouraging, open, honest place...filled with those kinds of people. So, even if I didn't come out of there with a cosmetology license and a vast knowledge of this industry, I still learned a lot from this experience...something way more valuable to me than any piece of paper. And I'm happy about that.

I don't really know 100% what's next for me. I guess you'll just have to wait and see. :)
I know that what I truly love is kids. And I know that I want to work with them and learn from them. So, that's my goal, and what I'm working towards now.

The End. (well, of this chapter, anyways.)

*Oh, and I know that Frenchie wasn't exactly thrilled about her pink hair. But can't we just pretend for cleverness' sake?