Making a Difference: Paul Mitchell The School Madison

Paul Mitchell The School's Madison, WI, location recently participated in an after school program to provide complimentary haircuts to disadvantaged students. One young girl was positively impacted by the experience, as told by a teacher at the program:

"Earlier this week, there was a bullying incident on the bus home from club, where some other girls told the student (among other things) that she was "fat and ugly."  She went home understandably upset, and when she and I talked about it the following day, it was nothing but tears between the two of us.  

Just now, [she] came to my room and said "my hair still looks so pretty!"  We talked about how her hair and mine are very similar -- thick and curly! And how it's hard to manage sometimes, but that she can learn, and I can help teach her!  She said she enjoyed getting her hair brushed yesterday, and that she felt pretty when she went home.  

[She] is such a sweet girl, and to see her come back yesterday just to ask to have her hair brushed, and to see the smile on her face both when she left, and again this morning, is exactly why I wanted to be able to offer these services!  

I know I introduced our program to you all yesterday, and explained that many of our students face transportation insecurities, whether it's to/from school, or doctor's appointments, or hair appointments.  So being able to offer the service here was truly amazing for those who you served.  

However, it's the smile on [her] face and her confidence this morning, especially after how her week started, that is why I do what I do, here, and why I hope to continue this relationship with you all."

Is your school making a difference in the community? Share your news, stories, and media with AACS Director of Communications, jessica@myaacs.org.