This was an exciting week, to say the least. My school held a school-wide competition, between ALL the departments. The theme was fantasy. It was up to each person to decide if they wanted to be a part of the competition and what their idea of fantasy is. Remember — this is only my second week of school. My teacher says, “Nikki, I think you should do it.” So, I agree and as my classmates pick a partner to work on — I grab my handy dandy practice hand. (Hehehe) I used my practice hand as my canvas. I started by putting on a full set of acrylic nails. I used clear tips and clear glitter acrylic. I worked on it at school and I took her home to finish filing her nails so I could decorate the nails the next day. My kids laughed and had no idea what I was working on. I told them to wait and see what happens.

The next day, I took my little hand with very long nails to school and started to work on her. My teacher gave me direction and I went with it — I was not sure how things would play out. My classmates were doing elaborate, detailed and absolutely beautiful work, which was amazing, yet intimidating at the same time. I went with a “garden fantasy” theme. We all entered the competitions and one of the groups in our class took 3^rd. We competed against all the classes in the school, including the Cosmo program that did amazing work as well — but did a lot more work as they did hair, costumes, make-up and everything! I didn’t place (this time), but I felt good about my entry and I was pleased with all the compliments I received. I have included a picture of “my hand” as well as my classmates, because I am SO proud of their work as well.

After that experience, I was feeling pretty good. So, the next day my teacher walked in and announced I was going to be doing a full set on a cosmo student! Yikes! (I was thinking — I hope she has all day!) But I acted cool, calm and collected. I said, “No problem.” (With my tummy doing flip flops.) So I set the table up and she came in. We started with the small talk. “How are you? What would you like done?” Then I thought, “Oh, you want pink-and-whites? No problem.” (What am I going to do????) I told my new client, “I have never done pink-and-whites, as long as you understand I am a student, I am ready to begin.” So we started. Ok, it took me about three hours and I used my drill to file at the end because I prefer thicker nails, and she preferred thinner. It was not a problem and I wanted to make her happy. I even did the smile line free hand, even though a few of the girls in my class suggested I use the other tips to cut the lines straight. (You know what I mean, right?) I was pretty satisfied with my work. 

I am learning a lot about people. We talked during her service. And we went into a very deep, personal and what I thought was private conversation. This client confided in me. She even brought me to tears. Now remember I am performing a service on her and as such I am trying my very best to be professional. But what she said to me just pulled at my heart strings and I couldn’t help it. We both cried and bonded during that experience. That was something I was not expecting to happen. But when it was done she loved the job I did for her! She stood up to leave and she reached over and gave me a long tight hug. I know I will always remember her and I will always think of her kindly. I attached a picture so you could all see the final job. 

I am learning there are so many facets of this new career, that as I go along I am learning more and more. I am learning things that are not in my textbook but are so important. I love coming to school each day and learning more and more. It feels good not to question myself and wonder “if” I will like it or “if” I can do…. I KNOW I can!

— Nikki