By Gabriella Lepse, Tricoci University at Chicago NE
Being a part of the beauty industry, I strongly believe that giving back to the community is very important. On Thursday, April 19, three classmates and I were given the opportunity to go to Misericordia, a facility that cares for the disabled. While we attended this event, we performed many hair cutting techniques, including short layers, classic bobs, fades and 90/90 men’s cuts.
Each patient was in a wheel chair and could hardly hold their heads up. We helped one another with the clients and while one person cut hair, the other person helped to hold the client’s head straight. It was a great opportunity to be able to really interact with each client individually. To be able to put a smile on each client’s face was priceless to me. Before Tricoci University offered to help each month by donating haircuts to Misericordia, the workers at the facility would try their best to cut hair themselves. This was my second time attending, and I honestly feel as though it has changed my life in so many different ways. I have always been good with people who have special needs, but being able to give back like this makes me feel as though I am needed.
One little boy really touched my heart. I cut his hair last time I attended this event, and I was given the opportunity to cut his hair again this time. I was told his birthday was this weekend so I was honored to be able to be the one who gave him a fresh cut. As I was cutting his hair, I was talking to him and keeping him calm so he wouldn’t get scared of the sound of the clippers. Last time I was there, hair kept getting in his mouth, so I remembered to put a towel over his hands so the hair wouldn’t go in his mouth again. After I was finished with the cut, I got him cleaned up and kept smiling at him and reminding him how cute he looked and how he had sat so well for the haircut. I could tell he was nervous because he started biting his hand really hard. At first it scared me, but when I got his hand out of his mouth, he gave me a HUGE smile and at that moment my heart was filled with joy and happiness. Even though he couldn’t talk to me, I knew how grateful he was.
I will be graduating in May, and although I will not be attending TUBC anymore, I gave Misericordia my name and phone number so they can contact me when they need help with this event. I would love to keep giving back to this facility. I’ve never felt so good after doing something for the community, but yesterday after donating my time, I felt that everything in my life was put into perspective and my worries and struggles had been set aside. Just being able to interact with the clients and seeing how excited each one was to be pampered made my heart feel complete. I look forward to more opportunities so I can continue to give back to the community.