For adult learner Cathy Pon, enrolling in Lawson State's Cosmetology program signaled the beginning of a fresh start-one she and her family truly needed after years of change and hardship.
Cathy moved to Alabama from Massachusetts in 2017. She arrived in Birmingham with her partner and three young children. A few years earlier following the birth of her son, she had already quit her medical job because childcare was too expensive.
"I went back to school, earned my Nail Technician license, and worked nights and weekends," she recalled. In time, a family friend gave them the opportunity to take over a business in Birmingham, which they later lost during COVID-19. It was a difficult time compounded by financial strain caused by a contractor scam.
Fast forward a few years to when her oldest daughter, Savannah, graduated from high school and wasn't sure where to go for college. Cathy encouraged her to explore Lawson State - and decided to enroll, too. Savannah is now pursuing Nursing on the Bessemer campus while her mother studies Cosmetology on the Birmingham campus.
Their life-changing decision was both practical and aspirational.
"I needed to be certified in Alabama to work in a salon, so I chose to earn my Cosmetology license. My goal is to gain experience and someday open my own salon," said Cathy.
Her dream is to gain experience, continue improving her skills, and eventually open her own salon.
She plans to return to Lawson next year to complete the AOT credential (Associate of Occupational Technology), and Savannah hopes to study Cosmetology after finishing her nursing prerequisites.
"Lawson State has given both of us a new beginning," Cathy said. "We're moving forward together."
