Do what makes you happy

By Beth Hood aka GPS Gal

This month I interviewed Sarah, who recently graduated from the Gene Juarez Academy with a license in cosmetology. She has tapped into her artistic talent, her interest in working with kids, and is already in a career that she loves at only 20 years old! To learn about Sarah’s story, read on…

GPS Gal: Sarah, what degree did you graduate with?

Sarah: I graduated with a license in cosmetology from the Gene Juarez Academy in Seattle, Washington.

GPS Gal: How long was your program of study?

Sarah: It was roughly 13-14 months, with a total of 1600 hours clocked in.

GPS Gal: Why did you choose this subject/career path? How did you make this choice?

Sarah: I've never been great at academics, and I wasn’t very successful in high school. I knew something in the arts was more my strength, and I had been doing my own hair and friends hair (and my Barbie's hair) for years, so I thought I’d give it a shot.

GPS Gal: What's the most interesting thing about what you are learning?

Sarah: Definitely the people I’m meeting. I’ve heard so many different stories, and have met some really interesting people that I wouldn’t have normally come across.

GPS Gal: What are you planning to do with your studies? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Sarah: I’m currently working as a stylist at a children's salon and I love it! Working with kids has always been a passion of mine. Eventually, by the time I own a house, I would love to do hair out of my home and still keep a couple days a week at the kids’ salon.

GPS Gal: How important is it to you that you enjoy your job or career in the future? Did you consider this when you made this choice?

Sarah: If I don’t enjoy something, I don’t do it. So the fact that I’m in this industry is pretty much crucial to my financial well being. I love interacting with people, and having my hands in people’s hair is where they belong. I don’t know if I could see myself ever doing anything else.

GPS Gal: How did you choose your college? What 5 elements were the most important to you?

Sarah: Well, I did a quarter year of college at Bellevue College and I really enjoyed it and took mostly art courses. When it came time to sign up for the next quarter and I realized I was going to have to take math and science courses... I was not so excited. That’s when I decided beauty school. I chose the Gene Juarez Academy because of the professionalism they showed and the name that came with it. Gene Juarez salons are very reputable in Washington state.

GPS Gal: Do you have any piece of advice for girls in high school who are preparing to go to college about their educational or career choices? 

Sarah: Don’t do what everyone expects of you, do what you want to do. I felt like I was a disappointment for not choosing to go to college, but now that I’m done with school I knew it was the best choice for me, and now I’m 20 years old and starting my career! Follow your passion!

GPS Gal: Do you have a mission (sense of purpose) for you life? If you could put it into a mission statement what would it be?

Sarah: Do what makes you happy, and you'll make the people around you happy

GPS Gal: Your words are really inspiring and I hope they will inspire other girls to follow their passion as well.

If you have a question about this interview or would like to learn more about this field of study, you can forward your questions to the GPS Gal.