News
December 12, 20182018 Graduate: Capital Region BOCES Prepared Me Well
Alexis “Lexi” Stephens knew exactly what she wanted to do for a career and thanks to Capital Region BOCES, she is doing it.
Stephens, a 2018 graduate of Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School and Middleburgh Central School District, is a cosmetologist at 561 Salon and Spa in Cobleskill. She was hired for the “dream job” upon her graduation from school in June and her passing the state licensing exam.
She returned to Capital Region BOCES recently to talk to juniors in the cosmetology program at the Schoharie campus.
“I love it there. There is something new every week,” Stephens said of her career. “There are always clients that tell you to be creative and do whatever you want and that is just the best.”
Stephens said she was well prepared for her career and for passing the state certification to become a cosmetologist.
“I knew exactly what I was doing when I took the boards,” she said. “Not everyone there was.”
Stephens showed signs of that confidence even before taking the exam. During a conversation with a Capital Region BOCES administrator last spring, Stephens said “We are ready for the (state test). We’ve been practicing and we are confident.”
Asked what advice she would give students considering a career in cosmetology and the Capital Region BOCES program, Stephens said “just do it.”
“I would tell someone considering it to just do it. Cosmetology is one of those skills you can practice the rest of your life whether you are doing it for a career or not,” she said.
Approximately 100 students are currently enrolled in the cosmetology program on the Albany and Schoharie Capital Region BOCES campuses. They learn the skills necessary to pass the New York State licensing exam to become cosmetologists. They also learn skills ranging from massage to theatrical makeup to prepare them for a multitude of specialization options. Business partners ranging from The Costumer to Paul Mitchell and numerous local salons provide the students with access to current and expert experiences.
