Future Job

    In the future, cosmetology looks interesting. According to OOH, the field of cosmetology will grow “10 percent” by the year of 2024. (OOH 2015). This website shows this field of work is increasing, not decreasing. There will be more job openings available in years to come. Also coming from OOH, hair coloring, hair straightening, and other hair treatments have became more needed, that will only continue in the next 10 years. (OOH 2015). Based on the information shown, it's clear that people aren’t going to stop spending money on getting their beauty needs anytime soon. Most people go to a cosmetologist for anything beauty related to stay trendy and have the latest style. A writer from the website “The Nest” stated “The BLS predicts an increase of 98,400 additional cosmetologist jobs” before 2020. (Imani 2012). Imani believes job security will be great in the cosmetology field. The more people in this world, the more cosmetologists will be needed. The future in cosmetology looks very promising to a person who would like to pursue this career.

References

Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists. (2015, December 17). Retrieved April 24, 2017, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairdressers-and-cosmetologists.htm#tab-6

Imani, F. (2012, September 19). What Is the Job Outlook for a Cosmetologist? Retrieved April 24, 2017, from http://woman.thenest.com/job-outlook-cosmetologist-1772.html

Where I'm From

Where I'm From
By Jodi Chyann Gilpatrick

I am from hairspray
From Chi and Hair Shaker Teasing Mist.

• ratting my hair to the sky,
• holding my curls in place,
• avoiding frizzy hair.

I am from the pool in the backyard of my home.

(Clear, cold, smelled like chlorine.)

• laying on a floatie for hours,
• jumping in, trying to splash my mom,
• listening to our "Summer" playlist.

I am from monkey grass,

hostas 

whose big green leaves covered every flowerbed.

• brightened every Spring,
• bringing mom a daily job after work,
• completing the walkway to our pool. 

I am from pool parties and tan skin

from Johnny and Tonya.

• having competitions of who can get the darkest,
• inviting all friends and family to swim,
• taking every look and action from my father.

I am from lake trips 

and the Sunday after Church flea market trips.

• hauling the pontoon,
• stopping at DJ's Diner before and after the lake,
• purchasing every cool lamp we came across.

From "Stop riding your four wheeler there" and "It's getting late!"

• getting stuck at lock 2,
• flying through dirt trails,
• staying out past curfew.

I'm from Missionary Baptist, 

the little, white, falling in church.

• singing Sunday specials, 
• traveling city to city for youth rallies,
• eating with the preacher after every service.

I'm from Batesville and Irish decent

Chinese food, and anything grilled.

• visiting China King weekly,
• inviting family over for cookouts,
• cooking moms steaks to a crisp before she'll eat it.

From the weekend lake trips

with my energetic parents,

the camping trips at Lake Charles. 

• jumping off the top of the boat onto a stick,
• picking pretty rocks at the park,
• swimming away from snakes.

In a closet was albums 

holding my photos,

books to remind

of important dates.

• capturing each moment, 
• logging every school event,
• keeping every elementary art project.

I am from those moments-- 

flashing back on the fun times--

making me become the person I am today. 

Poetry

"Music is to the soul what words are to the mind," was once stated by Modest Mouse. Though it may not seem to be the same, music is created by using poetry. While singing songs, a person is singing poetry. (Quotation Hook)

Flipping through songs on my phone, I always land on country or today's top hits. Blake Shelton, my favorite country singer, always seems to be played at least once on a road trip. Many of his songs are easy to relate to, so many people chose to listen to him.

Trying to narrow down some of my favorite songs, I ponder on just about any newer country song. Drake White, songwriter and singer of the song "Makin Me Look Good Again," would have to win my heart with my favorite song for right now. This song takes me back to old memories and will always be a song I can go back to and never get tired of.

Though "poetry" may sound boring, it might be surprising of how common it's used. If music is a big part in everyday life, then poetry is as well since music is made up of poems. With this said, I now can say I love poetry and use it daily while singing along. (Echo)

My Spring Break

"Work hard, play harder" is what they always have said, and that's just what I did. I worked the first half of the week of Spring Break and shopped, my number one hobby, the other half. It was becoming past time to have a break away from school and work, so pondering on what I should do, I took full advantage no matter what I was going to do. (Quotation)

It's a given, if I have a day off, I'm either sleeping, shopping, or even better... BOTH! I slept in just about everyday, got ready, picked up my friends, and headed out to Jonesboro, Little Rock, or Searcy. Shopping makes me the happiest out of everything in this world, so I'm always down for it!

Though I needed rest and new clothes, I would've enjoyed being on the beach with all of my friends. My families favorite vacation spot, Panama City Beach, was full of people from Batesville enjoying their time away from school and work.  

I really needed a break away from school and work, and Spring Break couldn't have happened at a better time. Flying by, my spring break was over, I had to get back to reality and get ready for school and work. Rapping up my spring break, its easy to say, I took full advantage of it.  (Echo intro)

If I Had a Million Dollars

"I'd like to live like a poor man with lots of money," was once stated by Pablo Picasso, a Spanish painter. If I had a million dollars, it would be a lot to bear, but my life would be going a lot smoother right now. With me being a penny-pincher, someone who is tight with their money, I would spend accordingly. (Quotation)

Considering I'm 18, almost done with high school, and about to enter cosmetology school, I would build a small house on some farm land, one I can later add onto when I begin a family of my own. It would be smart to start off with a small house now so as the years go by, there will not be as much to have to update to make my house look as new and stylish. For example, with only having a one bed, one bath, open floor plan for my kitchen, dining room, and living room, there won't be many changes needed other than maybe some furniture and decor.

After paying on a car for 3 years now that I cannot stand, I would buy a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee if I received one million dollars. A jeep, built very dependable, long lasting, and durable, will help me with living in the country, because I would need a ride that can get me to town in any kind of weather and a Jeep Grand Cherokee could do that job for me. For instance, if there is snow, you can just move the knob that says, "Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud" to get me through the snowy conditions.

There would be no wasting my one million dollars if I were lucky enough to receive it. After paying for my small house and new vehicle, I would save the rest of it in the bank to grow interest. If I were to receive one million dollars, I would spend it accordingly. (Echo the intro)

Book Review

Could you imagine waking up on your 16th birthday to your sister missing?  Sometimes the best thing you can do to escape reality is find someone to take your mind off of all the bad things happening, even if they're bad people. Sarah Dessen's book, Dreamland, is a must read for all, especially teenage girls, because it shocked me to see that one decision you make can change the rest of your life.
Dessen creates the theme clearly in the story by taking Caitlin, a good girl, cheerleader, comes from a great family and flips her life around when he meets a boy she grows to love. Due to her decision making on being with Rogerson, she loses her position on the cheer squad, loses her best friend, Rina, who was worried about Cait's relationship, and gets hooked on marijuana. Dessen shows this to prove that a guy that you thin may save you, could actually bring you down in ways that you may never get over.
The style used in this novel is very catchy to me because of my age. There are many points in this story that stand out to teenagers because of the ages of Caitlin and her peers. The story is overall a depressing story, so its easy to catch yourself feeling sorry for Caitlin and wanting to help her to either leave this "dreamland" that is no longer a way to escape losing her sister, because if she's not careful, she can lose herself.
Though it's not good to be able to connect to a story like this, I do. I have a family member who has been in an abusive relationship and I saw firsthand of how its far from easy to get away from someone you love more than anything, but is no good for you and beats you. Unfortunately, it's very common to live a lifestyle like Caitlin did whether you realize it or not, and that is why so many enjoy this book.
This book makes you feel like you're there through all these dangerous events. I highly recommend this book to anyone, males, females, young or old. Reading this will help you put in perspective of how easy it is to enter a world of trouble by getting in a relationship with someone who needs help themselves and tries to make your problems go away by facing their problems.

Disney Character

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” is the Golden Rule that I always try to live by. Always cleaning, always cooking, and always waiting on her step-mother and step-sisters, the main character Cinderella in the Disney movie Cinderella always seems to follow the Golden Rule by putting others in front of herself. Even when it came to her own happiness, the idea of focusing on herself first made Cinderella uncomfortable in the beginning. Because of her humbleness, I have always related to Cinderella in my life.

Cinderella’s ability to put others needs and wants first has always made her a role model in my eyes, even though she is a fictional character. I have always prided myself in the fact that I also try to put other’s needs first in most situations. There are times when putting others first is not a good thing, like in the movie when Cinderella rushes to meet her sisters and stepmother every time they call her name, even when they try to antagonize her about the breakfast she generously cooked for them. Though they do not appreciate Cinderella and what she had done for them, it made her feel good about herself, which is why I like to do things for people too. The feeling I get from doing something positive for another person, even if they do not seem grateful, makes it worth it.

The happy ending that Cinderella receives at the end of the movie may be a result of her good attitude and good deeds toward others. I have always been a believer in karma, which is why I try to always try to do right by other people. At the end of the movie when Cinderella fights past her mean stepmother and stepsisters and ends up with Prince Charming, it shows the lesson that good things happen to good people, even when bad people try to get you down. By trying to focus on doing good things for those that I care about, I feel that even when people try to tear me down for being a nice caring person, I will one day be an example like Cinderella and end up with my happy ending.

By following the Golden Rule and treating others kindly, Cinderella got what she deserved in the end of her story, a happy ending. Looking up to her since I was a little girl, I hope that by following in her footsteps will bring me a happy ending someday. Even if it does not, treating people kindly and putting people first like Cinderella did will always be something that I value in myself. 

Should Animals Be Used For Scientific or Commercial Testing?

"An estimated 26 million animals are used every year in the United States for scientific and commercial testing," was stated by a blogger on ProCon.org. Animal testing, using animals to test out products before putting them on the market, has been beneficial yet, also is beginning to hurt the animal population. There are many companies who now advertise they do not animal test as a reason to want to buy their products. (Quotation) 
Overruling the disadvantages due to the testing saving lives and finding cures, the advantages win this topic. The lack of information on a product could become a big harm to someone, so that is where animal testing comes in handy. If animal testing didn't exist, girls who wear makeup would be putting products and chemicals on their face that could do anything like burning their skin off. 
There are also some disadvantages of testing, like it being cruel to the animals. "The Draize eye test, used by cosmetics companies to evaluate irritation caused by shampoos and other products, involves rabbits being incapacitated in stocks with their eyelids held open by clips, sometimes for multiple days, so they cannot blink away the products being tested" was stated on ProCon's website. So when buying makeup next, think about checking on the bottle to see if it has been tested on animals or not. 
Had there be no animal testing, people would be walking around with skin burns and irritations all over their bodies. As the animals continue to be the source of testing, the animal population will start decreasing as the animals die from the bad products. Either way, something must get done or there will be products with bad chemicals and no more animals to use to test. (Echo the intro)

Can Competition Go Too Far?

"Competition brings out the best in products and the worst in people," once said by David Sarnoff. Some agree with a little competition, competeing with one another, to keep people striving to get better at a task. If this world lacked competition, we would all be equal, but not always in a good way.  (Quotation)
Competeing, local businesses are able to live off of commission from more products than other businesses whom have the same product at a larger price. In the terms of business, there will always be competition because that is what has to happen in order to sell your product. For example, almost every gas station in the same town may have gas prices that are very close to being the same but there will always be that one with the lowest prices who wins the competition.
Most people think of sports when the word "competition" is used. There should be competition in sports, just as much as there is in marketing because when there's someone or something that is better than you at something, you'll work as hard as you can to become better than them. For example, the Patriots won the super bowl over the Falcons, so now the Falcons will strive harder to not let that happen again.
Had there be no competition, everyone would be equal. All businesses would be the exact same and people wouldn't feel like they should go to the "cheapest" store and sport teams wouldn't be fun to watch if someone isn't trying to win. Competition is a very big part in the world today and can never be taken too far. (Echo the intro)

Where I see myself in the future

When I think of my future, I picture myself taking over the family salon. I've wanted to be a cosmetologist, someone who does hair and makeup, for years now. I hope to make men and women feel better about their appearance by giving them the look they want. It's very exciting to know I will begin my dream career in just a little over a year from now.

Having a family has always been important to me. Thinking of the future, being a cosmetologist sounds even more promising considering I get to make my very own hours. I will never have to worry about missing any school parties, sports, or if I have a sick child. You never know what life might throw at you, so having a flexible schedule is a major plus.

My Aunt Megan has got to be my biggest inspiration for helping me realize being a cosmetologist is what I truly want to be for the rest of my life. She has taught me just about everything there is to know on how to run a salon, spa, and boutique. I've grown up in the family salon and have watched not only her, but also several other girls who have also inspired me. I will take these lessons and use them to be successful in my own career.

Not everyone knows for sure what they want to do in their future, but that has never been a question for me. They say find out what you love to do, and go for it, and I have found what I love. I'm determined to show up at my own salon and not feel like I'm "working," that I'm just having fun. I can hardly wait to begin beauty school.

Fake News

We see it more than we realize, because we don't know what all is completely true anymore. "Fake News" has began to grow into a mess. Publishers who create fake news like to grab ones attention by antagonizing something or someone stating an incorrect story trying to get readers to interact and begin using their site for the "latest news" or so they think.

The main topic to a fake news site, a celebrity, is often bashed with invalid information to catch the readers eye. Exaggerating on a topic to grab the readers attention, someone will create bogus stories knowing the people reading will continue to look further at what else they can find from this "reliable" source of information. They might take a story about a band coming to an end due to wanting to retire, and then twisting the story up by saying they got into a fight causing a break up.

Fake news isn't just about celebrities, it can be anything. As many new products that come out daily, there will always be talk about the product that has been twisted, of course to throw the reader off and persuade them to read more. Say a brand new curling iron hits the market, everything is going good, everybody wants one, and bam a story is going viral saying they're more dangerous than any other curling iron out there, now the reader is channeled in to read more.

It's very important to check where you're getting your news from. You should always stick to news sites and stations that have good reviews and never any history of telling "fake news." If you ever read something that completely throws you for a loop, I consider you check around to more official news sites before you take that information and go with it.

Technology

Technology as in phones, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices play a major role in the world today. There are many advantages and disadvantages to having technology at our finger tips. The majority of people prefer having access to it at all times of the day.

Any time you need information, internet is the first thing you go to. When assigned an essay that requires research, the first thing your teacher will have you do, is look it up on the internet. With having such easy access to it, searching for answers is never a problem because it's so incredibly quick and easy doing it through technology.

With everything in the world that is good, it can turn bad in a second. Being anonymous behind a computer screen, can cause a lot of harm to people considering the amount of cyber bullying that comes from it. There has been many suicides committed and attempted due to being bullied easily through technology.

Like stated, technology can be a positive and negative for people. With internet being monitored carefully, I believe that all forms of technology is beneficial in all ways. Without it, you wouldn't be able to check the weather every morning without having to turn on the TV, call or text someone, have social media, or help with gathering knowledge for school.

My One Word

Transition is something everybody will have to overcome at a time in their life. A graduating senior faces many transitions in a short matter of time. My one word for 2017 is "transition" due to leaving high school and my peers to begin beauty school with new peers.

Right  after graduation, I will begin beauty school. Cosmetology is something I know a lot about but still will have to get adapt to. For example, the different techniques I will have to learn in order to successfully cut, style, and color hair will be all new to me.

Not that already having to transition from leaving a school that I've been to and being around the people I have known for 13 years, I now will be around a new group of people. There will be a classroom of around 20 girls and boys that I do not know anything about. This is one of the few things I'm nervous about, because of a brand new environment.

A few harbingers that will indicate my one word transition, will be me graduating from high school. I will submit my essay stating the reasoning behind me wanting to be apart of UACCB's Cosmetology program and get all of my books and my supplies kit. It's mandatory for me to complete these harbinger tasks before beginning school.

At times transitioning could be hard to bear, and this year I'll face it often. I'm ready to work through the hard times and begin the profession I've always wanted. In my case, transitioning is a good thing since I will get to the place where I will make a living the rest of my life.