I was inspired by a former student, Diana who took the Advanced Makeup Course with the sole intent to give back and donate her services and talent to people who are in need or sick and suffering. I try to offer students different Internship or Shadowing opportunities to coincide with their “in classroom experience.” Diana wanted an Internship different from any other student. She wanted a non-profit, volunteer experience during her education in the Advanced Makeup Course at the New York School of Esthetics. Ironically within the first week of Diana’s course I met Penny, Director of Hope’s Door Inc. at a Professional Women of Westchester Networking Event. Hope’s Door is a non-profit that seeks to end domestic violence and to empower victims to achieve safety, independence and healing from the trauma of abuse.
I organized a “Field Trip” with Penny, that first night we met and believed in my heart this would be an incredible partnership and experience for the Advanced Makeup Course and future classes. In addition, to providing makeup services for the ladies that reside at the shelter I agreed to provide child care services to ensure this would be a luxury experience for the group of women. Last night I took my current Advanced Makeup Course, former student, Diana organized the child care while I created a “classroom” with my students in another room. We found a radio, turned up the music and treated the ladies of Hope’s Door, Inc. to a night of lashes, airbrush and most importantly a break from all the stresses, fears and anxieties they may deal with on a daily basis. I feel as though each time I visit Hope’s Door Inc. it is more rewarding, powerful and humbling than the previous. I leave filled with more gratitude, humility and purpose than I normally have. I will forever be thankful for the student that wanted a “different” experience than any of her classmates. Diana has inspired, altered and positively effected the Advanced Makeup Course and introduced to the curriculum a completely different aspect that I had not included when designing a curriculum for “the classroom.”
If you are being abused, call the Hope’s Door hotline at 888.438.8700. You are not alone. Facebook Fan Page: Hope’sDoorNYInc.
