Mental Adjustments as a Euro Student

Day 2 - another great evening in class.
Ha ha! I know, it's only the second day.

Our instructor went over the policies & procedures for Euro students. This included the required hours by the state - hence the clocking in & out being a legal document, the points system & requirements to graduate, professionalism (constantly graded)...

And that brings me to what I wanted to briefly share today.
As I was sitting in class & listening to the expectations for a student, I realized I need to make some mental adjustments while in school. My naturally goofy, loud laughing, gregarious self will have to change what & when something is acceptable.

There's a definite need for heightened awareness of

• who is speaking,
• what is being discussed,
• when I should share with others on the floor or in class
• when to be a leader & when to let others find their way
• how I am carrying myself
• what needs to get done & how I can help and
• the appropriate times to laugh & have fun with classmates vs. be serious & focus

Not rocket science, I know. However, it will be a big mental shift. I want to be an excellent example of the quality student that comes from the Euro.

I think I'll have to write a prayer to put in my notebook to center my thoughts on what matters most - the Lord, others first & then my purpose & needs.

The First Day!

Yes! I am officially a student again.
Last night, Tuesday, May 6th, I started my classes at the Euro Institute. I was eagerly anticipating this day for many months now. I felt a bit like a jr. higher again going to a new school for the first time, but overall I've had an amazing peace about attending at the Euro & what to come in the next season of learning.

My first day was great! We got all our supplies - Milady books, Euro notebook, Acutonics tuning forks, a beautiful 12 pc makeup brush set, spa gown, lab coat, tweezers & scissors...I am set.

We discussed in detail the dress code, took a tour, were introduced to our instructor & classmates, learned how to clock in, & learned the basics of the facial station.

I am excited to get to know the other 14 people in my class. There is 14 women & 1 man. We all come from diverse backgrounds. Many of us have the same desire to be "day makers", as my instructor put it.

I had an overwhelming feeling of being in the right place & the perfect time. And I can tell I am going to take this seriously, be very committed, and quite proud to be a Euro student.

My Purpose & Decision

The newest most exciting thing I have to share with everyone in my life lately is that I've been preparing to go back to school to become an Esthetician.

In June 2007, my life came to a crossroad caused by severe stress & the loss of my job. Ironically, I was glad to have lost my job. I was more than ready to stop the stressful, daily cycle of commuting long hours & working a less than dynamic accounting job. I saw it as a great opportunity to be still and to ask God to remind me what I'm most purposed to do at this point in my life. I was ready to move on, branch out, try something new & dream big.

As usual, the Lord didn't disappoint. He always rocks my world & brings comfort when I trust him to lead the way. He reminded me of quite a few things:

• how I enjoy doing makeup for my friends,
• how I enjoy making women feel & look their best,
• how I am a contagious leader, when I am excited about something I share it with anyone who will listen,
• how I am empathetic & genuinely interested in people's lives,
• how I have gained in wisdom about balance & boundaries
• how you attract who you are & I tend to attract friends who are in the arts, healing, cosmetology, spiritual fields
• how I am energized by working with people & not behind a computer 40 hrs a week
• how accounting was not my future, but served beautifully as a bridge to bring me back from San Diego to the NW & bring stability to my finances while I help invest in my community
• how a career in the esthetics field could marry many of my greatest strengths & passions into one, working less hours in a relaxing environment making what I make currently if not more. :)

BRILLIANT!!!

The biggest discovery has been realizing my current purpose. It came to me clearly after thinking about my journey to date. I was able to come up with a simple purpose statement that captures my passion: I exist to help people know they are uniquely & innately beautiful.

So, I went about sharing with my closest friends & family what I'd discovered. Everyone I spoke to, especially those that know me the best said, "PERFECT!" After a some researching on the best esthetician schools in my area, I came upon The Euro Institute in Renton as the most highly recommended & professional experience.

That was it! I am going to be a student at the Euro Institute. I have to work full time & go to school in the evenings. So, I've applied, been accepted & waited to be a part of the Accelerated Summer Program. It's a nine month program, class schedule consisting of Tues-Thur each week & 3 Saturdays a month.

I start May 6, 2008.