Pursuing a Passion for Beauty

Angela Zylmans grew up doing hair for her sisters and because the hobby quickly turned into a passion, with support from her family, she decided to pursue it as a career. Now, she is set to graduate this May with a certificate in Cosmetology from South Texas College.

After graduation, she said she plans to work at a hair salon that specializes in updos and styling, with the long-term goal of opening her own business.

“My sisters would ask me all the time to do their hair, and I really enjoyed it,” she said. “My mom always told me I should try it out, so I did, and I fell in love with it.”

She says her motivation comes from within, where she is driven by her own desire to succeed.

“I just really want to do well and be proud of myself,” Zylmans said.

During her time at STC, Zylmans has been able to grow professionally, while gaining valuable hands-on experience. She explained that she was once very nervous about working with clients, but through practice, she has become more confident in her skills and communication.

“At first I was very nervous about working on clients,” she said. “But now, I’ve gotten a lot better and feel more confident.”

Zylmans is also an international student from Canada. She chose STC after learning about the Cosmetology program online and has enjoyed her experience since. Although the transition was difficult at first, she quickly found support in her new environment.

“My teachers and classmates make me feel very welcomed, and I ended up making friends pretty fast,” she said.

Despite her positive experience, Zylmans said she has faced financial challenges along the way. As an international student on a visa, she is unable to work in the United States and is not eligible for financial aid, making it difficult to cover tuition and living expenses. Even with these challenges she remains determined to continue her education.

“I hope to come back to school in the fall to become a kindergarten teacher,” she said.

Zylmans continues to stay focused on her goals, by earning high grades and being recognized for her hard work. Her dedication shows her commitment to continuing her education and becoming successful.

For incoming students, she encourages them to keep going even when things feel difficult.

“Even if it’s hard, just keep trying,” Zylmans said.