What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?
Before SWIHA I knew I wanted to share my wellness journey and help others on theirs. I was not sure how I would do it or what it looked like. Once I decided wellness was my purpose the doors just started opening for me. I am so passionate about health and wellness because I have been surrounded by sickness for so long. Not only do I want the benefits of living a healthy life, I want holistic wellness to be more accessible to my community.
Is there a “defining moment” you’d like to speak about? When did you know that you were on the right path?
There are so many defining moments that confirmed I am doing what I need to be doing. Everything in my life lined up perfectly with the curriculum we were learning. I mean every time and I am not exaggerating. The way it worked out has been a beautiful reminder that I was on the right path.
Has your life significantly changed? If so, how?
Yes and not in the way I or anyone would have expected. This past year has been very difficult for my physical and mental health. It was a wake-up call in many ways. SWIHA has definitely impacted the way I see things. I am grateful for the teaching, faculty, and students because they really helped me work through a lot. I believe that these problems would have presented no matter what and because of what I have learned at SWIHA I knew what I needed to do. SWIHA helped save me.
What are you up to now—professionally and personally?
I am networking with potential partners and putting those wheels in motion. I am working on my website, and forms, and organizing what I need to provide the best service for my clients.
What was the greatest lesson(s) you learned while at SWIHA?
There are so many great lessons I learned at SWIHA! I had too many "A-HA" moments to count. I feel like a veil has been lifted from my eyes and I can see the bigger picture now. If I had to choose just one lesson that will always stick with me and has changed my life it is the importance of having a growth mindset. I will never know it all and I am open to learning new things.
Who were your most impactful teachers while you studied at SWIHA? What were your favorite classes?
Janet Lee has been amazing. She is patient, kind, and a wonderful mentor. Dee McAffery is a mountain of knowledge and taught me so much about nutrition, cooking, and photography. These two women are goals! If I become even half the teachers they are I will be a great teacher.
If you could give advice to future SWIHA students, what would it be?
Do not put off the work. Find joy in it and just do it. Take notes, save presentation transcripts, and copy and paste motivational Mondays that speak to you! Do not take any of it for granted and reach out and ask for help when needed. Make time for yourself and your homework. You never know the profound effect that weekly lesson will have on your personal life. Whatever difficult thing you are going through could be helped just by doing your homework. Also, it really does fly by. Soak it in while you can. Use your life experience to make the services you offer valuable. You are what makes your business unique. Step out of your comfort zone ESPECIALLY when it is scary. That's where the growth is.
What else—if anything—would you like us to know about you, your work, and/or your personal journey?
I still have so much work to do on myself and my business. That's okay. I will always be growing and learning. I will always be a work in progress. The work will always be there so I have learned to find joy in it.