I'd been meaning to write a letter to Winn Claybaugh, the co-founder of Paul Mitchell the School for a bit and after Tuesday's event, I finally did. Rather than explain the whole story, here is what I wrote
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Dear Winn –
Last night my decision to return to cosmetology school and attend PMTS – Overland Park (KS) was validated 10-fold by my attendance to my school’s Education Pass night of learning with Mike Helm. The cutting training was amazing, I definitely rediscovered where I needed to grow more and that the techniques I already had in place where correct and in rhythm with the methods that PMTS teaches.
I have to say though; the part of last evening that really touched me to the core was Mike’s talk about The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation. I knew a bit about the Foundation through our FUNraising kick-off, but to hear the actual story from Mike blew me out of the water. I am afflicted with bi-polar and live the harsh realities of being un-medicated every day. I have a full-time job, but they don’t offer benefits and I can’t afford even the minimum insurance on my income. It’s a very scary time for me. I understand all too clearly how Andrew struggled and have an inclination of where his mind could have been on that very sad day when he chose to take his own life. I’ve been too close to death myself. I cried along with Mike when he discussed his best friend, and I cried in acknowledgement that I made the right choice to attend Paul Mitchell the Schools because of “the Culture”.
I attended a different school in Fall 2011/Winter 2012 in California. I really wanted to go to PMTS – Sherman Oaks, but I was without a car, and two hours via bus, one-way, with a kit was really out of the question. However, when I returned to the city of my heart, Kansas City, I was unsatisfied with the education I didn’t complete there, and really looked into other options. After touring two other local schools, I knew when I met the personnel at PMTS – Overland Park, that I was “home”. I have learned twice as much in 6 months at PMTS, than the 6 mos. at “that other school.” I am grateful I experienced another method of teaching, etc, but the entire curriculum, the class break-downs, the discovery methods, the giving back… these things at PMTS are far superior.
I just celebrated my 37th birthday in early March, and I know I am a few years late in finally deciding “what I want to be when I grow up”, but I think 10 years ago I would not have appreciated the education I am receiving now.
There is so much more I wish I could tell you about how much I love PMTS.
I hope that I am able to secure a future in the Paul Mitchell family when I graduate next year.
Thank you very much Winn, from the bottom of my heart.
Respectfully,
Kat Mavis
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He replied!
"Wow Kat! Your email has made my day and warmed my heart. Thanks so much for sharing.
Let me know how I can support you.
XOXO, Winn Claybaugh"
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I LOVE MY SCHOOL!
