Kalee Gelakosky

After graduating high school, I knew somehow I wanted to help people. I looked into big universities and considered being a social worker. I did some research and it sparked no interest, there was no excitement, nothing. I had 3 months to try to figure out what my purpose is before the new semester started. I job shadowed over 8 businesses, just trying to find what felt right. I wanted something that made me passionate, something to wake up in the morning and be excited. One night I was at my friend's house, her mom is a very successful hairstylist. She asked me if I'd ever considered looking into cosmetology school. When I got home that night I found a school that's an hour away. It caught my attention and I immediately set up a tour. Once I was in the environment around all the students I knew this is what felt right. I've always loved getting my hair done, and that feeling I have walking out of a salon is something I'd never thought I'd be able to give someone else. As a student now practicing with real clients I have developed close connections, and the feeling of watching them walk out confidently with a smile is why I'm here. I am helping people, just in a different way than I'd ever imagined.