When you look your best on the outside, you feel your best on the inside. That is a motto I try to live by in my life. Whether it is in my academic classes or in my time as Student Director for the New Hope High School Theatre Club, I want to feel my best and do what I can to help other people feel their best about themselves, too. My name is Madilynn Brown and I am a 17 year-old Senior at New Hope High School in Columbus, Mississippi. I am currently also in the Cosmetology II class at my county's CTE Center, where I learn all sorts of things about the beauty industry such as hair styling and cutting, esthetics, and how to do manicure and pedicure services. We also learn safety protocols for the tools we will use as well as marketing for our skills. When I graduate, I am planning on attending the cosmetology program at East Mississippi Community College. I decided to do this because for many reasons, but the main reason is the pride I take in my own appearance. I have struggled with self-confidence since I was in middle school, and while I was never bullied for my looks, I never have a good day unless I feel good about how I look. I know that no matter who someone is or what they look like, looking better or even their best always brings a smile to their face. Being able to be a part of making other people happy and more confident puts a smile on my face, as well. Changing the entire beauty industry feels a little daunting to me if I am being honest. But the more I think about it, it is not as hard as it sounds or feels like. Rather than changing the industry all at once, I feel it is best to start one person at a time. Eventually I plan to open my own salon. When I do, I want to be someone my clients can trust to take care of them. I am a great listener and the most important thing is listening to what your client wants and helping them get as close as possible to their goal. Making a client feel welcomed and comfortable will be my top priority. It is through these small things that the big picture of changing the beauty industry one person at a time can be met. One person cannot make a giant impact all on their own, but they can impact one person with small acts of kindness. When I become a cosmetologist and open my own business, I intend to do this each and every day.