She’s Beauty, She’s Brains – She’s Think Together Club Founder Esther
Think Together alumna Esther took the path of exploration far and wide to establish her widely popular Beauty and Brains Academy, a club at Compton High School. Creating a space that opens the door for many creative outlets is key for student expression and exploration.
Esther’s cosmetology club was born out of a desire to have a space where self-confidence and creativity could be cultivated by teaching various beauty tips and tricks, as a tool to make a great first impression!
Think Together gives high school students opportunities to grow by offering them the agency to establish and lead clubs that explore unique and diverse interests such as STEM, cooking, cosmetology, gaming, and many more.
Esther was only a high school sophomore when the idea to create the Beauty and Brains Academy came to her. The academy quickly gained popularity. There are regular student attendees and plans to become a school-wide elective at Compton High School.
In addition to being a club founder, Esther had already been involved in Think Together’s high school internship program where she shared the responsibility of supporting with leadership site visits, afterschool events, and tabling to invite students to join the program.
“I used to be really shy and quiet. Because of Think Together, I feel more confident. Like anything is possible,” shared Esther. When asked if she thought her interest in makeup could lead to a career path, she answered, “I didn’t even know it was a possibility, but now I know it could be.”
As the Beauty and Brains Academy continues to grow, so does the support it receives from people in the community. Many Los Angeles based influencers like Charis Smith have coordinated donations with other online influencers to gift unused beauty PR packages to Think Together cosmetology clubs like Esther’s!
“Growing up in L.A. it is so easy to fall down the wrong path, so nonprofits like Think Together are really changing that dynamic and helping guide these students to an amazing career path in the future,” says Charis.
Extracurricular activities help students build social connections, develop new skills, and explore different career paths. Think Together’s high school programs aim to provide academic support, college and career readiness, and leadership skills to unlock their full potential and flourish in college and beyond.
Esther is an example of the power of expanded learning and cultivating a safe space where students know they have the freedom to explore different interests and follow their passions.
