Alumni Testimonial

When we sign up for school, we read about the programs offered, attend orientations, sign forms etc. We expect to receive a quality education, enjoyable lectures, and gain the mastery in skills that we have paid for. We set our minds on the end goal: achieving our degree, diplomas or certifications, but rarely are we prepared for the true journey ahead of us. We know that life is full of challenges, yet when we are met with them, we become disheartened, disappointed and our perfect plans are disrupted before they even begin. Soon, the end goal becomes getting out as quickly as possible because hope has been forgotten. It is the darkest and most difficult moments of our lives that reveal our characters.

I am a COVID-19 Christine Valmy graduate. I began my journey at CV with excitement, plans for my future and the highest of hopes for a school with such a positive reputation. I attended a total of two classes before I was forced behind a laptop by the new regulations following the coronavirus pandemic. It didn’t bother me much; lockdown was only going to be 2 weeks long or so we thought. I had no idea what was yet to come. I was fueled with anxiety. The entire world was being consumed by a deadly virus that could not be seen or prevented and we as the people were experiencing a shock to our lives, minds and spirits. The fear around me grew at the same speed as the fear within me. I worried for my loved ones, I worried for the world and those being directly affected by the virus. Where was the brighter side of this? From where I stood, there was only chaos and uncertainty.

Christine Valmy gave their students a choice to remain enrolled and continue their education online or postpone until a later time. I chose to continue. However, I preferred a real classroom. For my learning style, I felt I needed to be in the environment of the school building and physically present. I was unhappy to receive an online education, having known the difficulty I was having just to finance my education, I felt robbed. This was not fair, and I felt I would not be prepared like in previous classes. Until I began listening, really listening.

I had the pleasure of being a student of Ms. Jamie, Ms. Liz, Ms. Gloria and Mr. Elias. The masters of their trade and remarkable human beings. I was motivated by each of them to continue my education, to recognize the importance of what we were learning and appreciate each moment we were living. We were on the path to becoming estheticians, specialists at recognizing the beauty in everything and everyone. To make the most of this experience, I would have to change my mind completely. Battling mental health illness didn’t make this any easier. Until I learned I had no control over the problem, but all the tools needed to find a solution. No one could have planned for such an event and this virus was not a personal attack but a global crisis, one that had forced us to step outside of ourselves and recognize those around us. Changes were taking place whether we liked it or not.

I started to find that brighter side when I focused my mind on the zoom classes. I grew so close to my classmates even while social distancing. I had to discipline myself to focus on the online lectures. Other times I found it hard to retain some information and simply grew bored being at home. Until I spoke with Ms. Despina, an immaculate leader and mentor. I was reminded of myself in the situation, my ability to turn the wheel of fortune at my whim. It was not about physical presence; it was all mentalism. A classroom would make no difference for the students who were unable to focus as people. Someone wanting their education and really believing in it, wouldn’t cease by any means. Mental presence and perseverance were going to be the force behind our success as students. The ability to overcome obstacles instead of relying on them as an excuse to fail made the difference in who you are as an individual and a student.

The school worked diligently to transition online, they fought for their students to continue earning the licenses and certifications even if it meant delays, frequent covid testing, closing/reopening the building and having to follow strict regulations. They offered extra assistance at our leisure to practice movements and go over the material. They sent us complimentary materials for our own use and continued to motivate us to stay strong both in our education and personal lives. Between the students and the staff at CV, it was a team effort to find the brighter side and the solutions to every problem arising.

The coronavirus graduates are the pilots of a new form of education. We had no idea of the role we were being given. Our time at Christine Valmy would pave the way for the school to grow and develop new systems for future students. Instead of fighting the administration, we found that the commonality rested on creating a better future for those to come. Christine Valmy was once known for their exceptional esthetic education. They’ve been known for their holistic treatments and products. Now they will be known for their resilience as both a brand and a school. In this school, I learned the anatomy of the skin, the Milady protocols for beauty experts, but most importantly I learned that growth is a choice. I feel prepared for the world of esthetics and when unprecedented things arise, I am now equipped to handle them with a new profound sense of grace.

Who you are and who you want to be are not separate. The healthy professional is the person who believes in what they are selling to their clients, practices what they preach and takes care of themselves from within. They work simultaneously with others and generate positivity and respect for everyone they come into contact with. It is not enough to know the skills. It is your attitude and willingness to grow and adjust at any point in your life with ease. I am a proud alumnus of the incredible 2020 graduating class at Christine Valmy. I found a family at Christine Valmy and I am so thankful to the instructors, staff and students who motivated me every day by being beautiful both inside and out.

-Dannelia W.