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March 13, 2002 |
| Local students making the cut at STWC A $2 haircut? A relaxing back treatment for $5? What is the catch? There isn't one - according to students in Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's cosmetology and esthetics programs. It's true that the students are learning the ropes, but since they are closely supervised and graded on every task they do, no one is going to walk out looking bad, according to esthetics and barber cosmetology instructor Sylvia Jahnke. The students start learning about hands-on techniques on mannequins, and then practice on each other before they start working with the public. The student salon and spa, called "Creative Elements," always has an instructor on the floor assisting the students with their work on clients. Everything is checked before the client leaves. Clients can ask to speak to the Instructor at any time in the clinic. The student are graded on every single thing that they do, from perming hair to stocking products to answering the phone at the front desk. They offer many services from pedicures to perms and facials to eyebrow arching. Basically any service a person could find at a local salon or a big city "day spa" can be found at SWTC. Learning about the art of beauty is just a small step for students in the esthetics and cosmetology program, according to Amy Stoney and Rhonda Cornwell. Stoney, a 2000 River Ridge High School graduate and Cornwell, a 2000 Prairie du Chien High School graduate, say there is plenty more to learn than just how to cut hair. Stoney and Cornwell both say they have learned a lot about safety and sanitation. Estheticians are licensed by the State of Wisconsin. They are highly trained specialists that offer preventative care for the skin and the body. They work with the dermatologists with the acne cases, especially teenagers and adult acne. Estheticians are trained to do make up for cancer patients, burn clients and covering birthmarks. They are trained to do relaxing facials for all ages and types of skin. They analyze your skin and choose products just for your skin. They also retail products that they adjust especially for the client's skin type in their lab. Their body treatments are detoxifying, contouring, removing dead skin cells, and relaxing treatments. Stoney, a double major in cosmetology and esthetics , is in her second year. She is one of the many students there who are completely comfortable and confident in working with the public. She talks of deep hydration, oxygen cocktails for the skin and smiles as she talks about making someone's skin glow. She says she really enjoys the esthetics program, although she didn't even know what it was when she started in the cosmetology program last year. The esthetics spa is a relaxing room, with dim lights and quiet music. She says it's stress relieving for her to work in the room, in addition to being relaxing for the clients. Cornwell, a cosmetology student will be done with the program in May. She says the program is much more involved than she expected when she started out, and the chemistry involved, for example with perming, really surprised her. She moves with the confidence of a seasoned beautician, while she talks of learning advanced salon techniques and how much she enjoys coloring hair. When asked if a person should be nervous about coming to the student salon she is quick to say no. "We are graded on everything we do, so we are always going to do our best," she says. "Plus, no one here is afraid to ask for help if we need it." Other students from the Prairie du Chien area currently in the esthetics programs are Tanya Johnston, Lisa Heilmann and Melissa Baker. Jahnke says she has been with the college since 1986 and has taught in all the areas with the students. At the present time, she teaches all the esthetic classes. The other cosmetology instructors are Linda Collins, Gerri Reuter and Deb Pickett. There are 16 students in their first year of the two-year cosmetology program at SWTC, and 16 students finishing their second year. There are currently nine estheticians and four nail technicians There is a waiting list for the cosmetology program, but Janke says at the present time an interested student may be able to get into the esthetician program and take that first, while on the waiting list. "I would encourage students that like working closely with people," says Jahnke. "Communication skills are very important." For more information about the salon and their services, call (608)822-3262. |
| March 11, 2002 |
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Seneca on to State! Changes to south end of Prairie du Chien... |
