“Moderately wise a man should be not too crafty or clever. A learned man’s heart whose learning is deep seldom sings with joy.” - The Havamal
The aim and intention of The Viking Games is not to prepare students for battle on the high seas of the north, but to continue the process of learning. Fairfield Cosmetology took on the challenge of ‘be creative’ and ‘think outside the box’ among its tasks to fashion hairstyles to stand out. There were no swords drawn or cannons fired, but the competition in the room lent to heightened spirits and a reaction of ‘I can do this’.
“I feel like I am going into battle,” said Elise Schwartz as she continued her wrap-around braid creation. “As we get deeper and deeper into the year we continue to skill build. The lessons and techniques are clear, not to mention you have a class full of girls to help you if you need it. I love the girls and the environment.”
The Viking Games had students pushing their limits on what they are comfortable with, adding an extra layer of process, to hopefully achieve a confidence they can apply to real-life clients. There wasn’t a grand show of presentation, but rather, Cosmetology instructor Angie Higginbotham roamed the room with a constructive criticism and a discerning eye, forcing the students to almost adapt on the fly rather than settle for the simple.
“The reason we do The Viking Games is to get the kids to think outside the box,” offered Higginbotham. “We don’t want just the pretty prom or wedding look. What else can we do. If we’re going off to war, how would we wear our hair. That’s what we’re doing here.”
***No individuals or mannequins were harmed during The Viking Games.