GREENSBORO, N.C. — There are many ways to build confidence in a child: a few words of encouragement go a long way, so does a fresh haircut.
WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman spoke to the people behind the clippers at Rankin Elementary School in Greensboro during the second annual Barbers Building Brotherhood event.
Changing your look, can be transformative, "a haircut is literally life-changing for a lot of people, you know?" Servant Leader with Prestige Barber College and Urban Renaissance, Tevin Whiteside said.
Especially when you are in the middle of a life transition, like graduating the 5th grade and becoming a middle schooler.
That's the case for Aron Moss, a rising 6th grader that received a free haircut, "it just makes me feel more confident when I'm walking around," Moss said.
Although graduating can feel like a door is closing, "I don't know if I will see my elementary friends again," Moss said.
He understands this really means doors are opening for him, "I get to like, meet more people because I not just with one class all day," Moss said.
It's something Whiteside takes personally, boosting the confidence of these young men, one hair cut at a time, "one thing we believe in doing — is being who we needed when we were younger," Whiteside said.
He said getting your hair done with him is rarely ever just that, but more so a counseling session, "we try to get to the youngins before they get older and have problems that they trying to go back and fix," Whiteside said.
It's the second year in a row Prestige Barber College has provided the free cuts. It's something Whiteside says is more rewarding then all the money in the world.
In order to show their gratitude, each one of the 5th graders wrote thank you notes to their barbers, for spending time with them and making sure they're fresh for middle school.