After 10 years in the restaurant business, Jose “Angel” Ortiz decided to return to school and pursue a new career in cosmetology. He chose CSM because he heard that the cosmetology program had an outstanding reputation.  “Attending CSM helped change my life.  I received constant encouragement from my cosmetology instructors, Suzanne Russell and Becky Boosalis, who were also my mentors.  They helped to build my confidence and never let me down.” While in the program, he participated in the Cosmetology Club, serving as its president.

Angel found CSM offered many resources, including financial aid, which helped make the program affordable. Since completing CSM’s cosmetology program, he branched out to begin his own salon, J Salon, located in Palo Alto.  Despite the demands of owning a business, Angel makes time to continue working on his associate degree at CSM and eventually he plans to teach in the field. As he reflects on his decision to change careers, Angel would offer the following advice, “It is never too late to go back to school and learn something new.”