Brain Exercises
In my last post I mentioned how important it is to continue being a lifelong learner, which this is another reflection of that. I believe that professional development is critical to your success and growth as a professional. Not to mention exercising the brain is just as important as exercising the body. After completing the PIDP in the first quarter of 2024, I also plan to continue taking courses to advance my skill in hairdressing. This is something that has been a constant for me throughout my career, I have continuously taken classes, courses, and hands on skill training. In the cosmetology industry it is well known that courses and seminars are necessary to keep up with new and upcoming trends and product launches. Not to mention how inspiring it is!
Queer ASL
Something that is very important to me is to continue my ASL studies. In 2020 I took two ASL classes online through a local education group called Queer ASL. They provide really in depth informative ASL courses broken down into segments where you learn the basics, building your ability all the way to having full conversations with your peers. It is a queer owned and operated LGBTQ2S+ BIPOC inclusive atmosphere where folks feel comfortable coming as they are and being accepted. Unfortunately, we still live in a world where we aren’t always welcomed into spaces. I like supporting their company because I love supporting my community, and I also sometimes see folks I know. If you are interested or know someone who is interested in taking a course with them, they frequently run multiple classes in accessible time frames, and it is all online!!
Here is the link below:
Do you read your textbooks??
To be completely honest, the books I would like to read are my textbooks from the PIDP. That’s not just because I want brownie points in this class, but honestly because every time I take a course, I only read what’s required in the text. I do read other parts when doing research, but usually it is for a specific reason, like a reflection assignment. What I feel I have not done, is take advantage of the incredible textbooks that I already own. They are sitting on my shelf and used when I am in another course in the PIDP, but other than that I haven’t found the time to read further. So, that is something that I am interested in diving into. I feel that every time I go back into another textbook to find evidence to support my theory, I find more interesting ways to become a better instructor.
Curriculum Development
For me, moving forward curriculum development is really my passion. I find such satisfaction in working backwards from my outcomes when designing a course, and being able to deliver that information with success is all worth the while. So, in future, I do plan to engage in that part of my interest further. As I mentioned in my professional goals blog post, there are two courses I have been working on. One is the Red Seal Workshop, which prepares hairstylists for their Red Seal Practical Assessment. It is in the works right now, but I have been focusing more on this course in the PIDP so unfortunately my side project is on hold for now. After this course I would like to complete that and launch it, and possibly add additions to it as well.
Hair Therapy 
Leave a comment