Hair analysis class students at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute got the opportunity to put theory into practice by giving residents of Pat's Senior Citizens Home a day of beauty treatments.
The 19 cosmetology students styled the hair of the elderly female residents of the home on Soldier Road, and gave them manicures, as their instructor Monique A. Marshall supervised the experience.
Although the opportunity gave the students a hands-on experience, Marshall said for instructors it was deeper than just that.
"It's not just about getting experience. These residents need attention, and from the looks on their faces, they loved it," said Marshall. "Someone took the time to attend to them."
Kei-Anna Glinton, one of the students who volunteered for the service, said it meant a lot to give back to the seniors. She described the experience as heartwarming.
Naji Adderley said it made her feel good to give back, because she has a grandmother who means the world to her.
"When I get old, I would want people to do it for me," said Adderley.
There are over 1,700 students enrolled in programs at BTVI's New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco campuses. The cosmetology program on New Providence has 57 students.
Donnalee Minnis, chair of the Beauty Trades department, is a proponent of giving back to the community.
"The reality is, we will be old someday. What we are doing is teaching our students how to share, how to give back and say, 'thank you'. We don't ever want the elderly to feel they are forgotten. It takes a village to raise a child and they helped to raise us," said Minnis.
The home's director, Patricia (Pat) Moxey, was grateful for the support. She said there is dignity in old age.
"We don't know what life has in store for us. Life has its challenges, and at the end of the day, we don't know where life will take us. And you don't have to be old to be in a senior citizens' home -- you may be incapacitated," said Moxey who started the home eight years ago.
"This home is uniquely different. All of their loved ones take care of the 30 residents. They are well cared for with three meals per day and three snacks a day. We also get help from the community," she said.

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