Jade

After high school, I wanted to continue my studies, but I couldn’t find anything that I could afford. I was living with my parents and was financially dependent on them. One day, while at church, a family friend was talking with me and my mother about a school she was attending. That was the first time I had heard of the Amy Foundation.

I joined the beauty program in June 2019 as it was the course that appealed to me. I had previously studied in high school and used to do my own nails, which drew me to the beauty course. During my time in the program, I learned how to do manicures, pedicures, gel nails, and acrylics. I also learned how to do eyelash tinting, eyebrow threading, and massages. After the program had finished, the Amy Foundation helped me apply to BTI, where I was able to study all things beauty. This opportunity to study further helped me refine the skills I previously learned at the Amy Foundation.

While studying at BTI, I stayed in contact with the facilitators as they were supportive throughout the whole process. In September 2021, the beauty coordinator contacted me to explain how they needed a volunteer to help teach the beauty class. I received additional training in teaching, including how to lesson plan, etc. Now, almost 2 years later, I am still here as a beauty facilitator, teaching my own class and helping students grow their skills in all thing’s beauty.

The Amy Foundation helped me find my passion for teaching. In the future, I would like to continue teaching and have hopes of one day teaching at a university or a high school. I believe these settings would be best for me, as they are similar to the ages, I am used to teaching here at the Amy Foundation. I am so thankful for the Amy Foundation as they helped me discover a love for teaching, and I don’t know what I’d be doing now if it wasn’t for them.

I think we should all take life as it comes, the good and the bad. Life won’t always go according to plan, and there will be difficult moments. However, it is these challenging times in life that help us grow stronger and teach us a lot about ourselves. Remember, the tough times will pass, and don’t forget to have fun because life isn’t just about working.