For Brianna Toro, a rising senior at Colonie Central High School and a student at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center, helping others is her true calling.

Entering her senior year in the Cosmetology program at the Albany Campus, Brianna chose the program because of her desire to make others feel confident. “I love being able to help people feel good about themselves,” she said.

However, her passion for serving others extends beyond the salon. Brianna is also dedicated to firefighting, actively volunteering with the Stanford Heights Volunteer Fire Company.

“This is my passion. I want to make a difference in the community,” she shared. “I’m a first-generation firefighter. Living close to the firehouse always sparked my interest in being where the action is, and once I joined, I fell in love with it.”

Brianna dreams of pursuing a dual career—working as a professional firefighter while also maintaining a side business as a hairstylist. “I’ll have the ability to save lives as a firefighter, and then in the salon, I can change someone’s life. It’s the best of both worlds,” she added.

Jean Hoffer, a retired BOCES Cosmetology teacher who taught Brianna, commended her dedication to both her community and her studies, noting that her commitment sets her apart.

Students in the Capital Region BOCES Cosmetology program complete 1,000 hours of hands-on training, preparing them to take the New York state licensure exam. This foundation equips them with the skills needed to enter the workforce or pursue further education. For more information about the program, visit Capital Region BOCES Cosmetology Program.

Brianna’s inspiring journey showcases the power of following one’s passions and how a desire to help others can lead to a meaningful, multifaceted career.