Leah Erwin has always loved learning new things. So, when the opportunity to earn higher education as a beauty professional came her way, she jumped at the chance. Her degree is available through a partnership among Mesa Community College, the beauty house of L’Oréal and ROLFS Salons.
“I am passionate about the beauty industry as it offers an incredible platform to spread love and beauty and to truly transform every person to look and feel their best,” Erwin said. “The MCC program provided me with the tools I need to make my dreams come true in the professional beauty industry and beyond.”
Erwin, 20, of Mesa, was awarded a full scholarship to MCC by ROLFS. She said the best part of her experience was the skill of critical thinking.
“I can feel my entire being just growing and becoming more intelligent,” Erwin said. “The flexibility that this program offers is just incredible. I am a single mom working full-time and a full-time student. I feel so empowered, energized, hopeful and just very happy beyond words.”
After graduating from MCC, she plans to transfer to Arizona State University to receive her Bachelor of Applied Science in Health, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation with an emphasis on Personal Care. Her career goal is to be an educator in the beauty industry and never stop learning.
“I want to travel, teach, and to show people that intelligent beauty is the way to happiness,” she said. “My goal is to be a light in the beauty industry and show others that they too can be successful and enjoy prestige in a creative, fun, and impactful industry and have an amazing career as a beauty professional.
Erwin said the most surprising thing that she experienced was the improvement in her communication skills.
“I have been taught that others view the world differently, and I am not always right,” she said. “I have learned to ask questions to understand why others think the way they do. This has helped me to be nonjudgmental, more understanding and appreciate other individual’s point of view and perspectives.”
She advises other students not to let any external force, family, friends or society hold them back.
“If you can dream it, you can do it, and education is here to help with that. Education gives us the tools we need to truly become successful and happy in our lives.”