How I got into massage.

Let’s back track a little bit. College was pushed hard on my classmates and I from middle school into high school and all the way up into graduation. I was conscious of my family’s financial status and didn’t want to put a large debt on their plate. I decided to continue working after high school graduation, since I didn’t have a clear idea on what I wanted to do with my life as a teenager. I watched friends find success in college and even dated boyfriends who were established and thriving. As content as I was in my own skin and living life for my friend’s college parties on the weekends. I knew I wasn’t going far working two dead end jobs. I was embarrassed when friend’s and significant others parents asked “what I was doing”, I didn’t have a good answer. I wanted to be able to talk about my career, life goals and passions at dinner parties when asked “where are you going/what are you doing in life?’.

I decided to try community college, where I dropped out twice without even finishing a semester. This helped me understand my learning style, which was NOT sitting in a 3 hour lecture with the professor speed reading through her power points with minimal questions from the students. This led me to researching trade schools in the area. I was a visual and kinesthetic learner and needed to work with my hands.

The first link on my google search was massage therapy. I decided on impulse to call the school to set up a meeting and find out more about their program. The worst thing that could happen is that this school wasn’t for me and I would continue my search. My mother came with me for support and upon opening the door to the building and walking into the small entrance, I felt a sense of palpable calm energy (this was my first experience with noticeable energy). We opened the next door into the Career Services department and within seconds were greeted by a warm mannered woman who helped us to our next destination. I think everyone in passing said hello to my mother and I with a genuine smile and asked us if we were being taken care of. I’ve never experienced such selfless and humble people who behaved so kindly. I was already at a high.

Fast track to my first day of class. Our class size was 16 people and after months of getting to know each other inside and out, we dwindled down to about 8. This made our group extremely close, becoming a small tribe or family. The teachers were Massage Therapists as well and truly had a passion for their career. I didn’t feel like they were waiting for the clock to strike 5 to get out. They were mentoring us as well as teaching us. This made a huge difference in my college experience. I didn’t feel look downed upon, no question was a stupid question, I was supported by everybody. Compassion and understanding helped me bloom and for the first time, I was succeeding. One and a half years later, I felt whole; I found my purpose and that was touching people with kindness. Whether was was literal or verbal. This career helped me find myself. I’m in the business of kindness and empathy and that’s what I want to contribute to the world.

I will save more stories for a later date, but I’m utterly thankful for the undeniable energy that pulled me into the front door of my massage school. I call it fate.