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Alexus Ruelaz

785

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Life has always been full of unknowns, but one thing has remained constant: my love for art in all forms. In high school I perused it was photography, and painting. In college, I pursued costume design. In my free time, I turned to writing and poetry. I thrive in hands-on learning and was proud to earn awards like the AUHSD Photography Award in 2012, Student of the Year for Arts in 2013, and Costume Designer of the Year in college. Despite my creative success, I have lived with an anxiety disorder that has made it harder to find a stable path. I left college during my early year intending to return, but then the COVID pandemic changed everything. I shifted focus to healing and helping support my household and my husband's career while working full time. Now we are in a position where I can return to school. I have chosen cosmetology, a field where I can use my creativity, hands-on skills, and passion for helping others feel seen and confident. I am excited for the future and ready to turn this new chapter into a meaningful career.

Education

Penrose Academy

Trade School
2025 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

Katella High School

High School
2010 - 2013

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Trade School

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Cosmetics

    • Dream career goals:

    • Server

      Fullerton Brew CO
      2020 – 20211 year
    • Administrative Assistant

      Alphacomm CO
      2015 – 20194 years
    • Fine Dining Server

      Hyatt
      2022 – 20242 years

    Sports

    Swimming

    Junior Varsity
    2007 – 20114 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Planet Rehab — Cleaning and feeding
      2012 – 2014

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Charles Reid Imperial Scholarship
    I've always had a deep admiration for skilled tradesmen. I grew up around a few, including my father, who designed and sculpted rock pools until he felt it was time to step away from the work he loved due to his age; as well as friends and family who learned to blow glass, stain glass, install windows, and build entire structures from the ground up. There’s an art to it, and I’m continually inspired by the tradesmen I’ve known and the others who’ve crossed my path throughout life. Their influence has shaped me in ways that often go unnoticed by those around us but it’s something that touches everyone, every day. Even something as simple as stepping into historical church. Have you ever seen the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris in person? Its completely wonderful; Seeing the sunlight filter through stained glass and scatter vibrant colors across the floor and bricks; evokes emotion. And behind that moment are the hands of many skilled tradespeople who made it possible. Masons, Carpenters, Stained-Glass-men, Sculptors, Tile setters,(The list goes on!) Its like its own personal artist collective and its something that been around for centuries. What I want to pursue might not last for centuries the way stone or stained glass does, but it creates something just as meaningful in its own way it kindles confidence, and self expression. Cosmetology. Like more traditional trades I grew up admiring, it takes skill, precision, and an eye for detail. But instead of working with bricks or glass, I’ll be working with hair, color, and the individuality of each person who sits in my chair. It’s a trade that puts a smile on people’s faces every day and that’s the kind of impact I want to have. As a little girl, I was fascinated by the simple act of picking up a pair of scissors and cutting my own hair (even if the results were far from perfect.) That fascination never faded. My grandmother, who’s been a guiding force in my life, always encouraged that curiosity. She never shut me down and always helped redirect me with patience and love, always reinforcing the idea that learning a skill, picking up a trade, and expressing yourself through your hands was something beautiful. Her, herself was artistic as well. I’d wake up to the sound of her sewing clothes, embroider, or watch her solder pieces random metal parts together for her latest art project. Her creative spirit shaped mine and she is still an inspiration to this day. Even though she’s passed, I think back often to how she nurtured my creativity, how she believed in learning through doing, and how she quietly pointed me toward the path I now feel ready to fully embrace. I remember her asking me what I wanted to do after high school and her suggesting cosmetology school without missing a beat. At the time I brushed it off; but she saw something in me that I didn’t yet understand. I know cosmetology school has its challenges. Building a clientele is one of them and marketing is crucial. I plan on starting a social media page on my journey through school building a portfolio right from the start to give me a foot in the right direction. Another thing to overcome those challenges is "True patience". I know that it wont be easy. But I'm ready to take this new path in life, I am both scared and extremely thrilled to take this step into a direction that fuels my passion.
    Alexus Ruelaz Student Profile | Bold.org