For Dion Brooks, earning an Associate in Applied Science in Beauty and Wellness from Mesa Community College is the first step toward his goal to become a leader in the beauty industry.
“I want to educate and prepare beauty professionals of the future to become highly impactful, successful and major contributors to the well-being of each and every person, and humanity collectively,” Brooks said.
Brooks, 29, of Phoenix, said, “The more I researched MCC, its academic history, team, and commitment to the community, the more excited I got to become a student in such a reputable and progressive college.”
Mesa Community College’s Beauty and Wellness Program, in partnership with the beauty house of L’Oreal and Arizona’s Rolfs Salons of the Future, prepares students to succeed in today’s market as they learn business strategies to thrive in the industry.
“One of the things that is so exciting about this program is that I am able to continue to work while obtaining my degree,” Brooks said. “I thoroughly enjoy all of the highly knowledgeable, experienced, effective and truly caring professors, their modern approach to teaching and the great content.”
ROLFS helped Brooks financially by awarding him a full scholarship to MCC.
Brooks plans to continue his higher education journey at Arizona State University to obtain a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation with an emphasis on Personal Care. As he continues his education at ASU, he will work full time as a beauty professional, applying his education immediately and directly to his career.
Brooks said that while at MCC, several instructors and classes made a positive impact on his life.
“My interpersonal communication class has empowered me to have intelligent communications in all aspects of my life and create successful relationships both at work and at home,” Brooks said.
He believes he was in the right place at the right time to pursue an innovative higher education pathway.
“The very fact that MCC has partnered with ROLFS, a national leader in the salon industry, pioneering the first-ever beauty and wellness degree for beauty professionals, gave me the confidence to pursue an innovative higher education pathway,” Brooks said.
“My advice for every student is if you want to have a place in the future of the world, to have an impact and pursue a fulfilling and rewarding career, higher education is the path to get you there. I believe selecting the right college is one of the most important decisions that we can make. I personally selected MCC and am extremely happy about my decision as this college gives me every tool I need and all the support I seek to accomplish my goal.”