The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals is a fellowship funded by the German Bundestag and US Department of State, that annually provides 75 American and 75 German young professionals, between the ages of 181/2 - 24, the opportunity to spend one year in each other's countries studying, interning, and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program. Tessa Shoenfeld is Davidson-Davie's CBYX student this year.
Tessa is a hair stylist and works at her mother's salon in Germany. She has also participated in many competitions and has obtained high placements. Here at Davidson-Davie she is studying Business and Psychology this semester, and will work a paid internship next semester.
Tessa recently presented a session to Davidson-Davie's Cosmetology students about hair styling in Germany. The comments below are from students and instructors who attended the session.
Cheyanne (Student): I really found Tessa’s presentation Monday very interesting! It was fun to see how different countries do things differently and go through different processes to get their cosmetology license! I’d be interested in hearing from other students that are from other places to see what it’s like!
Fatima (Student): Tessa was amazing! I loved the experience and [the presentation was] definitely a very motivational one!! She really set the bar high for me! Her mom's salon was gorgeous!! When she mentioned all the basic styling techniques that got her to where she’s at now it made me push harder and work more into detail with my styles especially my roller sets. I’m determined to master my finger waves and pin curls as well!
Jill (Student): Tessa's presentation was a real treat last week! I love learning about other cultures and this was the perfect opportunity to do so, especially given that it was directly related to cosmetology in other countries. My favorite part was discussing the hair trends she has seen recently in Germany, along with comparing and contrasting those styles with popular modern styles here. It was a very interesting presentation. Hair culture in other countries has always been of interest to me, and the focus on Germany was particularly intriguing.
Alayla (Student):I really enjoyed learning about the cosmetology program in Germany. Tessa really just taught me that it’s really the same thing as over here it just has different names. I do think that it’s cool that you don’t have to have a certain amount of hours to work in a salon. I think Tessa did a wonderful job on her presentation and made me want to learn more about not just cosmetology in Germany but everything. I would love to learn about other countries and how cosmetology is there as well.
Lauren (Student): I really enjoyed Tessa coming to speak with the Cosmetology Department of Davidson-Davie Community College. Tessa spoke with us about how different the education and cosmetology career path is in Germany, compared to the United States. One thing that I really enjoyed hearing about was how Tessa’s family was able to build such a successful salon that turned into a family business. The video of their salon in Germany and the hair show that they host was very fascinating. She is very passionate about her cosmetology journey and it was inspiring.
Windy Nash (Instructor): I enjoyed listening to Tessa speak on her education and experience as a hair stylist in Germany. It was interesting to learn how the educational requirements differ in Germany compared to those here in the U.S. as well as the styles. I look forward to having Tessa in our department for more educational opportunities.
Whitney Monroe (Instructor): I thought that the presentation that Tessa showed was a great way to show us the different styles and culture difference of Germany. It was really awesome to see that in person and to have a perspective of it as well. So with the future to come I would like to see more of these presentations.
