GALLATIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Have you ever looked back on your high school days and wished you had learned something more specific for a particular career path?

I wanted to talk about sports on the radio. My best opportunity in high school was to write for the newspaper. It was great. Fun fact: This is actually where my love for feature films and human interest storytelling began.

Still, I wanted more of a real-world experience. Gallatin High School students gain this real-world experience in their cosmetology program.

It’s a competitive program. This is what Jennifer Grainger told me about what she implemented about three years ago. Grainger runs this program.

“They have to know how to talk to people, they have to know how to look them in the eye and shake their hand,” she said.

In their classroom, there are desks. If you look at the perimeter, it looks like any other hair salon or hair salon. There are sinks for washing hair, chairs for pedicures and of course mirrors and chairs for haircuts and coloring.

What impressed me most was the community support. Members of the Gallatin Fire Department come to get their hair cut.

“Community awareness,” said one member. “I mean, these are kids that we’re protecting and I hope they’re the ones that will protect us when we’re older.”

This program also visited nursing homes to cut residents’ hair.

“I think they (students) stand up every time,” Grainger said.

Do you have a positive story you would like to share for Take Time to Smile? You can email me at [email protected].

She carries her husband’s legacy to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.

I am so inspired by Sheila Gann’s love for her husband and his resilience. Anyone who has lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s knows how cruel this disease is, not only to the patient, but also to those who love and care for them. Mike and Sheila clearly had a remarkable love story, and she’s now honoring it in the most beautiful way. Thanks to Forrest Sanders for sharing their story.

-Carrie Sharp