For senior Donasia Griffin, the future is so bright she can’t help but smile.
The Cohoes High School student is in her second year of the Cosmetology Program at Capital Region BOCES, where she is preparing for a career in hair salons.
“It makes me happy making other people happy, and the money is good,” she said of her career choice.
Donasia is one of more than 100 students enrolled in the program that is offered on the Albany and Schoharie campuses. Students in the two-year program learn everything from shampooing, rinsing, conditioning, artistry in hair styling, decontamination and infection control to hair removal, manicuring, nail disorders and financial planning
Donasia said she was drawn to the program by a lifelong interest in hair.
“I have always done hair and liked it a lot, and people started telling me I should do it for a career, so I started doing my friends’ hair, and that led me to come here,” Donasia said.
As to her future, the teenager said she is still deciding which path to a salon she should take.
“I am considering going to Hudson Valley Community College for a business degree, so I can build that side of my knowledge,” she said. “But even if I do that, I am still getting my license and going to work in a salon next year.”
Donasia teacher Nicole Wentraub praised the teenager.
“Donasia is a lovely girl who always comes in with a smile and keeps things positive. She excels in braiding and has the motivation to expand her knowledge of this industry, as well as broaden her business in the future,” Wentraub said.
For information on the program, visit Capital Region Boces.