Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the achievements and sharing the stories of our Hispanic American students. This week, we are featuring Evelyn Escamilla-Gomez, a senior in EASTERN’s Cosmetology program and Hatboro-Horsham High School.

Evelyn’s parents are both first-generation immigrants from Guatemala. “My mom, the oldest of 11 children, came to the U.S. at 17 for better job opportunities and to help my grandmother financially,” Evelyn shared. “My mom is the strongest person I know—hardworking and my everything. She’s not only my mom but also my best friend.”

Her cultural heritage plays a significant role in her life. At Hatboro-Horsham High School, Evelyn is the co-president of the Latin American Student Organization, where she recently went to Keith Valley Middle School to discuss the club and its value to the Hispanic community and culture.

Recently, she celebrated Guatemalan Independence Day in Trenton, NJ, where she enjoyed the music, dancing, and food that are central to her Guatemalan heritage. “I really loved spending time with my community, coming together, having fun, and celebrating our culture,” said Evelyn.

Evelyn has always had a passion for the beauty industry. She loves experimenting with new styles and enjoys making people feel confident. "Doing hair and nails is so much fun, and there are so many different career paths within the field," Evelyn shared.

Evelyn is on track to complete her hours and earn her Cosmetology license by next summer. In the fall, she plans to begin college, pursuing a program in the medical field, though she is still exploring her options. She feels the biology and chemistry she has studied in Cosmetology have given her a strong foundation for her college journey. Evelyn also plans to continue working in the Cosmetology field while attending college, balancing both her passions for beauty and medicine.