Mekaila Rickert, @mekaila.brevyn, Bellus Academy, Manhattan KS

After giving college “the old college try” Mekaila enrolled in beauty school despite those who considered the change impulsive. “Something clicked,” says Mekaila. “Every day the choice to pursue this career feels right and whether I work in a salon or achieve my dream career of working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, I have found a career that makes me happy,” she says in her application video. “I look forward to a career where it will never feel like I’m going to work.”