(This is one of the “career change” students referred to in a 8/14/12 blog.)

It’s graduation day and, finally, I have a moment to respond to your request.

My background training began in nursing and my BS Degree is in Health Education. I have had a lifelong love of being with people. I chose Health Education instead of nursing because it allowed me to help others prior to their ending up in a hospital. I was able to use techniques in helping people to reduce stress, become smoke-free, lose weight, basically to make healthy choices. One of the things I loved about nursing, at least in the mid-70’s was the ability to have lots of hands-on care. As the years went by, there was less and less time for touch and I really missed it. No more back rubs from the nurses. If that was to be done at all, it was from the CNA’s (Certified Nurse Assistants).

When I was in labor with our daughter, Emily, a nurse, who was also my friend, offered Reiki. It was my first experience with such a gentle, yet profound technique. That was over 20 years ago. About 10 years ago, I decided to learn about Reiki and over several years became a Reiki Master, or teacher. Having the opportunity to coordinate a Reiki clinic in Virginia and beginning the EastWest Reiki Association here in Oregon has been wonderful. I am a Reiki volunteer in Hospice, for folks while they are receiving chemo, for people undergoing surgery and for those wanting to learn this form of self-care for themselves.

I had the desire to learn more about energy work and healing modalities and this brought me to check out massage schools. I visited a few, but when I discovered Oregon School of Massage, it was an immediate fit. I felt right at home because of the emphasis on the mind and spirit as well as the body. Every class includes the whole person and I have loved it all. I must say that I’m a bit sad that it’s over, but I know I’ll be around taking more classes and serving as a Teaching Assistant.

I have so many plans for when I am licensed, lots of collaboration with other practitioners.

Thanks so much for creating such a wonderful program!

Warmest regards,
Terry

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