Liz Troffer, @liz_troffer, San Francisco, Calif., San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Scholarship Winner ($3,750 tuition award):

The youngest of four sisters, Liz grew up in a family of women. While her mom didn’t understand her sisters’ fascination with hairstyling, Liz sensed that looking good helped them feel beautiful – even after losing their father. After pursuing a career in fashion, Liz sought to fulfill a more hands-on creative career. “I’m preparing for a craft that will allow me to give back and in school, I ‘m learning to listen to the client and create not just what I think will make her look good, but interpret what beauty means to the client,” says Liz in her application video.