Page 5 - Lis'nFarmtoFashionMagazine

I live on the “outside.” I didn’t know what or where that was until, in connection with Riverland Community College, I visited the Women’s Federal Criminal Institution’s Cosmetology Department in Waseca, MN. The students in that cosmetology program are on the “inside.”
I had the privilege to sit on a panel of cosmetologist professionals who would answer questions from the student inmates about our industry.
I admit, I went to the women’s prison because I was curious and wanted to support the program director, Ms. Besel. I confess I was a bit nervous, but I had prepared myself to meet mean, hardened criminals with bad hair and poor English who, I thought, would sit slumped in their chairs with their “I don’t care attitude” evident in their body language and faces. WOW! Was I wrong! What I discovered instead were lovely, neatly dressed people, with hair styled in a trendy manner and perfect makeup.
They had faced their crime and were anxious to turn their life around. They sat straight in their chairs, thanked us for being there and confessed their passion to begin their new life on the outside. It was so moving I spent the day
fighting tears and a growing lump in my throat.
Our mock interviews revealed much more. Women, who grew up
Cosmetology license, which will help the women have a chance
at starting a career in their home state. Their biggest obstacle will be finding the right salon that will hire them and give them the opportunity to restart their life on the “outside.”
I left so humbled, almost embarrassed to be worried if my shoes were polished. As I drove home in my nice car, into my heated garage attached to my two- story house to sit in front of my fireplace with a glass of wine;
I was washed in this belief: if not for the grace of God and a supportive family, I could have easily made a decision that would have put me on the inside.
So instead of feeling curious, I am now blessed. The student inmates gave me the gifts of compassion, understanding and gratefulness to be on
the outside.
in abuse and poverty, yet were still thrilled for a chance to turn their life around. My heart ached with their stories.
They shared their biggest concern. “Will someone hire me? I’m a felon.” Serving time is difficult, but re-entry to the “outside” is even more difficult. The students in
the Riverland’s Cosmetology program earn a Minnesota
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