Hair, makeup, nails, facials–this is the art which turns humans to canvases. While cosmetology is generally focused on enhancing physical beauty, to junior Amanda Roberts, it is about helping others find beauty within themselves.

Roberts participates in the cosmetology program Canyon High offers through the Amarillo campus of Clarendon College. The students involved in the program are released from classes at 12:10 p.m. and attend the cosmetology course until 5:30 p.m.

“We learn everything,” Roberts said. “It’s not just about makeup. It’s hair, nails, facials, skin care–all the shabang. You also have to learn about communication and client protection along with a bunch of chemistry and anatomy.”

Roberts said much more goes into cosmetology than most people realize.

“You learn about the muscles and the anatomy of your skin and your bones,” Roberts said. “You learn chemistry because you don’t want to burn someone’s hair off. You’re always on your feet, you have to think quickly and you have to look into your client’s medical background to make sure they’re not taking any medications. You have to have extreme caution every step of the way because you don’t want to hurt your client.”

The students enrolled in the course will graduate high school with their cosmetology licenses at a much lower cost than they would pay in college.

“Vivi Morales actually told me about the program, and I was immediately really excited about it,” Roberts said. “I love anything cosmetology related. It’s my passion. She seemed to enjoy it, so I blew up her phone asking her tons of questions about it. I decided to give it a try, and I definitely don’t regret it.”

Roberts said she is exposed to several job opportunities through the program.

“Different job opportunities come watch us as we go along,” Roberts said. “At the end of the day, they may even give us their cards and say, ‘Hey, whenever you graduate, come by and give us an application, and you’ll be set to go.’ We pretty much get jobs right off the bat. You can even do at-home services so it doesn’t have to be a salon job.”

Roberts said although she does not want to make cosmetology her career, it is something she wants to pursue in the future.

“I decided I want to have cosmetology as a job throughout college,” Roberts said. “I want to study in early education, but I’ll have cosmetology as a solid job that gives me money to push me through college. Then I could do it on the weekends or during the summer at home once I have my job after college. I’ll always have cosmetology, but it won’t be my main job.”

Roberts said the class has already covered facials, manicures, pedicures, haircuts, highlights and more.

“I love learning about everything, but my favorite part about the class is forming all of the friendships,” Roberts said. “I went in not knowing anybody, but now I already have friends I’m super comfortable with. It’s a good bonding experience because everyone has a passion for this and we get to share it together. We get to share cool makeup looks, cool hairstyles and everyone appreciates everyone. We’re all in the same place and we’re all trying.”

Roberts said her true passion for cosmetology stems from making others happy.

“Making people happy and helping them express themselves and reach their goals is what I love the most,” Roberts said. “A lot of people can’t do it themselves. We’ve seen those videos where they mess up the bangs, so it’s nice helping them reach their visions and seeing their happy faces after you finish. You get to stand back and think, ‘I did that.’ Satisfying the customers is my main priority because I want to make other people happy and feel good in their bodies.”