HOPE at Paul Mitchell

As a cosmetologist, I wanted to share my experience of Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) with aspiring beauty school students. I did a HOPE training at Paul Mitchell The School Boise. We were discussing Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) when someone came into class inviting us to participate in a “Clap Out.” It’s a tradition at the school. When a student graduates, all the other students line up on both sides of the aisle and clap, cheer and throw confetti on the graduating student as they walk down the runway to the song of their choice and clock out for the last time. I didn’t know the student that was graduating, but I was so excited to celebrate her accomplishment and cheer her on.

The timing was perfect. When we got back to class, we picked up right where we left off. We talked about family and community traditions as a Positive Childhood Experience. The Clap Out touches all four building blocks of HOPE. It highlights the supportive Relationships that helped the student succeed in an Environment that was conducive for learning and playing. Graduating beauty school connects the student to their larger world to be Socially and Civically Engaged, and having experienced beauty school myself, there are countless opportunities for Emotional Growth. The Clap Out is a happy and exciting time, while the uncertainty of the future may come with some trepidation.

There is HOPE in everyday moments. Relationships matter and anyone can be a caring adult in the life of a child. These students are now equipped to promote Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), the building blocks of HOPE and support the families and clients they will serve. Some students committed to learning about what resources are available in their community and sharing that information with their clients. HOPE is a beautiful thing and when we are intentional about ways we engage with the world, our little interactions can make a big impact.

Our work at the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund (ICTF) promotes the building blocks of HOPE and the five Protective Factors which are: parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, social and emotional competence of children, and concrete support in times of need. These Protective Factors and building blocks of HOPE promote optimal development so children, families, and communities thrive. If you would like to learn more about HOPE or Protective Factors, or would like to share your HOPEful story, contact the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund.