Rebecca Bohannon decided it was time to change her future. The Norwalk resident enrolled in EHOVE Career Center’s Adult Education Cosmetology program while working full time, raising three children and planning her dream wedding. That would make anyone's finances tight, but she chose to keep going.
“I believe that my story is one of perseverance and believing that it’s never too late to change your future,” she said.
Bohannon, who will graduate in October 2027, said she chose EHOVE because of its convenient location and hours, which helped make pursuing her education possible while balancing her many responsibilities. The flexibility and understanding of the program also allowed her to remain present for her children.
Her days are packed. After working during the day, she attends cosmetology classes in the evenings and often studies after her children go to bed. Even her lunch breaks become study time. "Nearly every lunch break I had was spent doing homework and extra credit,” Bohannon said. “But I keep reminding myself why I started this journey.”
I made a commitment that I wouldn't sacrifice being present for my children. The program's schedule allows her to continue attending their games, recitals and important milestones.
Her determination eventually took Bohannon farther than she ever expected. As an EHOVE Adult Education Cosmetology student, she competed in SkillsUSA and earned a bronze medal after placing third at the SkillsUSA National Competition in Atlanta.
“Competing at SkillsUSA Nationals and earning a bronze medal was something I never thought possible when I first walked through EHOVE’s doors,” she said. “It is something I’ll always be proud of, and I’m honored to have represented EHOVE.”
For Bohannon, the accomplishment was about more than a medal. It was proof of what could happen when she challenged herself and refused to let her circumstances determine her future.
“EHOVE gave me more than technical cosmetology skills,” she said. “It gave me confidence, encouragement, and the opportunity to challenge myself in ways I never imagined. I am incredibly grateful to my instructors, who always believed in me. They trusted me, encouraged me, and pushed me to be my best.”
Her classmates were equally important, cheering her on and reminding her that she could succeed. At home, her family supported her in a different way—serving as her willing, and sometimes unwilling, “guinea pigs” as she practiced the skills she was learning.
Today, Bohannon has a clear goal for the future: to become a salon owner. She says EHOVE has prepared her with the technical skills, hands-on experience, professionalism and customer service skills needed to build a successful career in cosmetology. But perhaps the most important thing she gained was the confidence to believe she could do it.
“If I could share one message with someone considering adult education, it would be this: just because something is hard does not mean it isn’t achievable,” Bohannon said. “Your circumstances don’t have to define your future. It’s never too late to invest in yourself, chase your goals, and create a better life.”
Bohannon’s journey is a reminder that adult education is not about being too late. It’s about deciding what comes next - and having the determination to pursue a chance to change one's future.
More information about the Cosmetology program and other Adult Education programs is available at www.EHOVE.net.