As an Admissions counselor, I hear many reasons for why someone is considering Kenneth Shuler’s cosmetology program. By far, though, the most exciting thing I hear from a prospective student is that “Hair (makeup, fashion, nails, and beauty) is my passion. I have dreamed of doing this for a long time.” These are the moments that keep me motivated. No matter what a person’s situation is, I will do all that I can to help them join our program. Why wouldn’t I? Nothing drives a dream like passion.

Passion is that feeling that keeps tugging at your heart whenever you think about following your dream. When you see your true place in the world, passion sets the stage. All those days when the baby is sick, your support group seems to have taken a vacation, or the car (the house, the relationship, etc.) needs repairing—again—it’s the passion to fulfill your dreams that’s the voice that says, “So what?! This is my life, my chance to create my future. I will not be in this spot forever! I’m going to make it!” Finding your true passion is a gift and you must respect it as such. Things in your life may slow you down (we all have speed bumps), but real passion just puts you into the next gear and helps you chug up the mountain.

So how do you fuel that passion? How can you keep on going when things get tough? It’s different for everyone. Some people rely on their faith. Some have a trusted group of people who are always encouraging them. Others just dig down and find a way.

I have a secret that always works (and I’ll share it with you at the end of this blog), but some of the other things that I have found work for me are: I read several blogs on a regular basis that challenge and uplift me. I listen to music that lightens my mood and empowers me. I work to release my expectations of how I think life should be and try to focus on just living in the moment. I have a person in my life who believes I can move mountains and I figure if someone that wonderful thinks I’m wonderful, I must have something going for me! And finally, when things really get ugly, I write a gratitude journal to remind me of how lucky I really am.

Think of something in your life that you lived through--something that was a real struggle. Remember how it felt like you would never get through it? You were overwhelmed, tired, sick, desperate, alone. But somehow you kept going and then you reached the other side. Remember how that felt? Remember that pride, the elation and relief?  That sense of being at the top of the mountain? Well you can never get that feeling without making the climb. Be grateful for the struggle, for it’s all a part of the process. Remember what you are fighting for. Let your passion drive you to the mountaintop.

*****Here’s the secret to success- hold your passion in your mind and your dream in your heart. Then, take the very first step, even if it’s a teeny, tiny, baby step- and then just keep moving forward. As they say on the shampoo bottle-- lather, rinse, repeat. I promise it works.*****

What’s your passion? How do you fuel the fire? I’d love to hear about your journeys to the mountaintop.

Susan Mooring
Admissions Representative at the Rock Hill Campus