OFA senior excels with SkillsUSA and BOCES programs

Owego Free Academy (OFA) senior Elijah Reep has plans to take the State Boards in March for a cosmetology license, which falls a few months ahead of his June 2017 graduation date.  Having learned and applied the skills for hair, nails, skin, safety, sanitation and other elements at Broome-Tioga BOCES (BT-BOCES), Reep will have fulfilled 1,000 hours or more of practice, which is required in New York State.

Reep, who has been studying cosmetology at BT-BOCES, plans to focus on the hair stylist side of the business once he graduates, and shared, “I would like to work in a salon in the Binghamton area.”

By working in a salon during a summer break from school, Reep gained additional experience and is confident and goal-oriented for his future in the field. Taking some time to travel is on his short-term planning list, with an additional goal of college and even starting his own business.  

According to the Department of Labor, beauty salons are typically a recession-proof industry, which means during tough economic times, consumers usually don’t skimp on visiting their favorite salon.  Even more appealing, the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that New York State is ranked amongst the highest in the nation for employment and wages associated within the cosmetology field.  The trend is expected to continue, so for people like Elijah Reep, that’s good news for future career planning. 

Reep maintains a busy schedule between school and work.  He attends morning classes at OFA and then afternoon classes at BT-BOCES.  Reep is also the student editor of OFA’s literary magazine.  In the past he has also been involved with the set building for school musicals and participated on the swim team from seventh grade through eleventh grade.     

Reep also holds a job at Jablon Studios in Binghamton, a hip art studio featuring the work of mosaic artist, Emily Jablon, and a destination for cutting-edge art classes for the public.  Reep’s 20-hour workweek covers everything from measuring precise pieces of glass to template-making to cleaning.  Jablon Studios also participates with Liberty partnership, a mentorship program and community service project that helps keep young people geared toward successfully graduating and prepared for work and life outside of school. 

As a junior, Reep joined SkillsUSA, a national program which partners with teachers and industry and provides education, events and competitions for students pursuing career and technical education (CTE).

Reep is the current President of the SkillsUSA regional chapter at BT-BOCES and served as the chapter’s secretary in his junior year.  Last year, after competing in the “Prepared Speech” competition, Reep finished second at the regional level and seventh in New York State.  He will compete again next month.  

In November, Reep attended the SkillsUSA annual statewide leadership conference in Albany where he learned about various leadership aspects, parliamentary procedure and toured the state capitol.  In addition, he delivered the keynote speech, which featured what he has learned through SkillsUSA and also participated in a meeting with the Broome Leadership Institute (BLI).

Proud of his accomplishments to date and looking forward to the future, Reep shared, “SkillsUSA gives students a great opportunity to be prepared for the working world.”