News

July 22, 2019

2006 Capital Region BOCES Grad Returns to Take the Helm of the Classroom

Mollie Horgan learned all about the art of cosmetology as a student at Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School from 2004-2006.

Now, the Albany resident and Scotia-Glenville High School graduate is back in the Capital Region BOCES classroom, this time as a teacher.

“I never thought I would be here,” she said Thursday, while taking a break from helping students in the Cosmetology Summer Program learn the latest styling techniques.

Horgan was hired in June to succeed longtime educator Pat Gollub, who retired after more than two decades in the classroom in which she taught hundreds if not thousands of students – including Horgan.

“I never would have thought that I’d be back in this classroom as a teacher but I am happy that my journey has brought me here,” Horgan said of succeeding her one-time teacher.

Horgan is also working during the summer cosmetology program alongside another of her teachers, Jean Hoffer.

“Mollie was one of the most enthusiastic and professional students I have had,” said Hoffer.

Horgan, an Albany resident, joins the Capital Region BOCES team after teaching cosmetology at the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES and at the Paul Mitchell School in Schenectady. She also works as a hairdresser at Cocolo Spa in Albany.

“Being in the classroom now, I can remember what it was like to be in the student’s shoes. I really enjoy working with the students and watching them grow” said Horgan, adding “It feels pretty amazing to have the kind of experiences I have had and then come back and get to share what you have learned.”

Asked what advice she will impart on her students, Horgan said it is simple.

“Take advantage of every opportunity and don’t be afraid to try thing. This is a safe environment to make mistakes and learn in,” she said.