Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Enriching women's lives
On Monday, my students began working on a writing prompt: "If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be and why?" As I circulated around the classroom, I was disturbed by one girl's response. Allison (not her real name, of course) wrote that she wanted to change her looks, because "(she) is ugly". I asked, "What is this? Who told you you're ugly?" She responded, "I did." I told her that she wasn't and a student who sits behind her who overhead our conversation agreed. I made her ball up her piece of paper and start over. Later, she wrote about her allergies, but said that she liked her first paper better.
The next morning, I spoke to her math teacher. She suggested that we ask Allison's mom if I could give her a makeover. We were having Open House that night, so that would be our chance to talk it over with her mom.
That night, both mom and daughter had tears in their eyes. The mom agreed with our idea. Allison stays after school on Thursdays anyway, so that would be the day of the makeover.
When I got home on Wednesday, I asked God to help me to choose some products that would make Allison realize she's beautiful. The math teacher and I would share the costs. I chose the red tea and fig body spritzer and lotion so that she could smell beautiful. I filled her compact with 6 neutral mineral eye shadows--including my favorites: honey spice, chocolate kiss, and navy--brushes and berry sparkle lip gloss. I added a charm bracelet from my personal jewelry that said "hope" in hopes of inspiring and empowering her.
I was so excited when Thursday afternoon rolled around and I could tell that she was excited, too. She cleansed and moisturized her face and put on foundation. She stated her face felt clean and that she was beginning to feel better about herself. As I began to apply her eye makeup, her after school class went to the cafeteria for ice cream. I told her that I would hurry so she could join her classmates. But, I really knew she was enjoying the makeover when she said "I don't want any." What 13-year-old wants to miss an ice cream social with friends?
After I finished her eye makeup and showed her how to put on a minimal amount of mascara, I let her finish the makeover by applying the lip gloss I selected for her. It was the perfect shade. When she put it on, her face lit up so bright. The before and after pictures were amazing.
Although she said she didn't want any ice cream, I walked her to the cafeteria. Her classmates were awed by her. She chatted with them for a while and then I saw her get in line for ice cream. I could tell that her spirit had been lifted.
The next morning, she had her hair down, but wore no makeup. I inquired, "I see you have your hair down. Are you feeling beautiful today?" My heart rejoiced when she smiled and said yes. Each time I saw her, she smiled a beautiful smile.
I now understand what Mary Kay's mission of enriching women's lives is all about. Although Allison didn't have on any makeup yesterday, what I was able to do for her was much deeper. Her teen makeover gave me the opportunity to sit and talk with her. We got to know each other a little better. She got to see that someone cares enough about her to give her personal attention after school. And if all it took was a little makeup to help her realize her self-worth, then that's great!
I think the biggest compliment for me was when another girl excitedly came to me and said, "I'm gonna go home and ask my mom if you will do a makeover for me!"
The next morning, I spoke to her math teacher. She suggested that we ask Allison's mom if I could give her a makeover. We were having Open House that night, so that would be our chance to talk it over with her mom.
That night, both mom and daughter had tears in their eyes. The mom agreed with our idea. Allison stays after school on Thursdays anyway, so that would be the day of the makeover.
When I got home on Wednesday, I asked God to help me to choose some products that would make Allison realize she's beautiful. The math teacher and I would share the costs. I chose the red tea and fig body spritzer and lotion so that she could smell beautiful. I filled her compact with 6 neutral mineral eye shadows--including my favorites: honey spice, chocolate kiss, and navy--brushes and berry sparkle lip gloss. I added a charm bracelet from my personal jewelry that said "hope" in hopes of inspiring and empowering her.
I was so excited when Thursday afternoon rolled around and I could tell that she was excited, too. She cleansed and moisturized her face and put on foundation. She stated her face felt clean and that she was beginning to feel better about herself. As I began to apply her eye makeup, her after school class went to the cafeteria for ice cream. I told her that I would hurry so she could join her classmates. But, I really knew she was enjoying the makeover when she said "I don't want any." What 13-year-old wants to miss an ice cream social with friends?
After I finished her eye makeup and showed her how to put on a minimal amount of mascara, I let her finish the makeover by applying the lip gloss I selected for her. It was the perfect shade. When she put it on, her face lit up so bright. The before and after pictures were amazing.
Although she said she didn't want any ice cream, I walked her to the cafeteria. Her classmates were awed by her. She chatted with them for a while and then I saw her get in line for ice cream. I could tell that her spirit had been lifted.
The next morning, she had her hair down, but wore no makeup. I inquired, "I see you have your hair down. Are you feeling beautiful today?" My heart rejoiced when she smiled and said yes. Each time I saw her, she smiled a beautiful smile.
I now understand what Mary Kay's mission of enriching women's lives is all about. Although Allison didn't have on any makeup yesterday, what I was able to do for her was much deeper. Her teen makeover gave me the opportunity to sit and talk with her. We got to know each other a little better. She got to see that someone cares enough about her to give her personal attention after school. And if all it took was a little makeup to help her realize her self-worth, then that's great!
I think the biggest compliment for me was when another girl excitedly came to me and said, "I'm gonna go home and ask my mom if you will do a makeover for me!"
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
EOC pep rally 2007
Another blast from the past. My friend, Rashonda Wester, and I created this while being employed for HCS.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)