My life as an aesthetic instructor.

Semester is over.  I made it through with an "A".  I was extremely bored most of the semester.  My classmates were never prepared. The students had nasty attitudes, were not prepared, did not want to practice and looked very unprofessional.   I was chewed out several times by students. I was looked down on by an instructor. (Even though I do this for a living every day.) With all that being said, I made it through. I am not looking forward to next semester because of the people.  I will miss my mentor who is opening a new chapter in her life.  

In my last post I wrote about how I felt about a situation. In speaking with my mentor I discovered that I am straddling the line between a student and becoming an educator.  My feelings keep pulling me to the roll of a student.  However, logic pulls me to the role of an educator. Controlling these feelings is a big challenge.  I am such a stickler for doing the right thing and being fair.  So when I see or hear of unfair practices I want to react.  Writing about this experience helps me to see in my words what I need to do and how to control my reactions. This however is not confined to the students but also future educators. I can honestly say that I have not put a ton of effort into my studies.  I have so much going on. Yesterday I realized that I am behind in reading two chapters.  At every opportunity I read what I could.  I arrived early and sat outside to read the remaining information.  What I learned from this is that I let m...

As a student instructor I observe more than I actually teach at this point.  I make mental notes of teaching styles and methods.  Lately I have made notes of who I do not want to be.  It is only one person that has made me think this way.  This one person does not realize that they are crushing the students dreams.  Last night was the first time I have regretted my decision to teach.  I felt helpless in the situation.  I felt that I was contributing and helping this person crush the students dreams.  I talked to someone after the event and to the other students.  I found that I could not sleep.  I even wrote my lead instructor a message.  I am frustrated.  I know you are not supposed to get too involved with the students. However, at this point I really am a student and just one of them.  As I lay awake thinking, the thought of saying something kept coming to mind. I have had people in my life tell me I can't or I am wro...

I have not really posted about my experiences lately.  We have been focusing on lesson plans.  My first attempt was a flop. I did not get the concept. I polled several of the instructors on their techniques and secrets.  I took their responses and made it my own style. My second attempt was much better.  I even went back and looked at my notes from learning 3 years ago. I know the information back and forth but delivery was the problem. I was faced with an unexpected assignment to teach a class on microstimulator.  I had not used the machine since I went to school but knew the information and researched before the class.  I had a model (my mother) and back up plan to allow for issues with technology. I made a handout for the students and a professional power-point.  I was shocked as I began to speak how easy and comfortable I felt.  I went through the information and answered questions easily.  The students were engaged in dialog.  I fel...

Last night was my first chance to teach the class that I have been working with all semester.  Up until tonight I listened to the teachings of another professional. I trained a new esthetician at work and was already stressed and exhausted.  I did not think that my presentation would have enough energy to it.  I came in early to prepare myself mentally and to set up my materials.   I was nervous before I left home but as I prepared my power point I relaxed.  I know the information and have prepared constantly.  I have to admit that I need to read more of the trade publications and take more classes.  I think that is half the battle.  As the class began I could see that I had the attention of the students.  They were interactive and asked questions.  I think that is a sign of success.  They were asked to evaluate what they got from the lesson and it was nothing but positive.  I was on an education high.  I realized at tha...

I am almost done with the second week of classes.  It seems to be going fast.  I am not tired as I thought I would be and more energized. I am learning a lot about teaching styles and the learning styles of the students.   Observing has been the name of the game.  The students are wondering what I write during the class.  I am going to be clever and start taking notes in German.   It is funny to think not long ago I was the one in the class.  I am so happy that I did the classes the way I did.  I am so happy to be in my program now.  Reading the information to be able to follow along has only made me better at my craft.  The discussions are helping to speak with the younger group.   I feel I am giving back to the school that gave me so much.  

I finished the first week better than I thought.  I am so excited to be back at Chi.  I am happy to be with my instructors.  The students in the program seem to be very interested.  But I will keep my comments about me because this is about my experience. I am already seeing things that I want to incorporate in my teaching style. I am also seeing things that I definitely do not want.  I see teaching as a way to further my craft and influence the future. I wanted to go into teaching to also as a way to remain in the business when my body older.  Right now I know I am still strong.  However, the plan has always been to go into educational side to teach others the way I was taught and what I have learned since .

I am so excited to be starting this chapter of my life.  I begin my instructor training at Chi School of Cosmetology Lone Star College North Harris tomorrow.  I did not think that this chapter would begin for another two years.  I will be the first candidate to be an aesthetics instructor.  It is such an honor to be in this position.  The trust that my instructors have in me to take on this challenge.  Yes it will be a challenge.  I will still be working at Massage Envy four days a week. Student teaching four days a week and still hopefully working my business when my schedule allows. I have to say many said I would never make it this far.  Many still do.  I hold my head high and continue to work towards my goals.  I do have my moments of doubt.  But I do not let them take a hold of me.  I pray often. I even ask others to pray for me. ( There is strength in numbers) I hope that this will serve as an encouragement for others t...

A few weeks ago I attended a function for the graduating class from my esthetics school.  I was on cloud nine while talking to one of the representatives of the colleges partner company.  She told me that she would help me get in contact with someone to get started in the esthetic instructor program.  I came home and immediately emailed her my information.  A day later I was told that the program did not exist for esthetics only for cosmetology.  I was deflated but began looking outside the school.  I emailed my professor that I studied under to see where she trained.  I did not hear anything for several days but continued to search schools in the area to see what I needed to do to get accepted.  The private schools were much more expensive. As a student and business owner, I could not afford the expense.  My professor sent me a message on Facebook a few days ago asking why I did not train under her and the other cosmetology instructors. ...