The first week was pretty hectic; one of the other girls called it a “slammin' week”. I got my kit and a little carry-all case to put it in. Of course it doesn’t all fit, so half is in the case, the other half I carry around in a canvas bag. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings for two hours we have theory class. After the class on Tuesday our instructor did a manicure demonstration and showed us how to set up the table. After lunch we studied in our workbooks. Then we actually did a manicure on other girls in the cosmetology class. That was a little intimidating but I made it through.

After Wednesday’s morning we watched a demo of a pedicure. Once again, after study time, in came our girls for a mani/pedi session. Luckily all our models were talking so it was easier to do the mani/pedis without being too nervous.

On Thurs we started learning about the wonders of acrylic nails. We got our little plastic fingers out and worked on them the rest of the day. Friday we did sculptured and silk nails. In the afternoon we worked on manicures again. I feel we are really getting a lot thrown at us but we are only in the freshman class for two weeks and then we will be out on the floor after that.

I didn't think I’d like doing pedicures but once I took a deep breath and just followed the procedure, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. I still have to work at the massage part of it but that is coming along and I find it kind of relaxing. My back and neck hurt this week and I know I wasn’t sitting up properly and was stressed out doing all of this but I am really enjoying it. I look forward to next week when we have family coming in to be our models. We also have tests to take on Thursday and Friday so I need to do more studying before then. 

— Terri