Great schools and training programs offer learning opportunities that go far beyond the syllabus. We asked some amazing folks from the community to share stories from their educational journey with us.

Elizabeth Kresojevich

My experience in my school and training was primarily based in social justice and the ways that this directly impacts the process of therapy. After doing research and exploring programs, I landed on the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Lewis and Clark in Portland, Oregon. I remember visiting the school, feeling like I was visiting the therapy version of Hogwarts. I think what was powerful about this program, was it was primarily based in systemic learning. Systems is such an important lens to have when looking through the glasses of therapy. It allows for therapists and practitioners to be able to recognize the subtle impacts and not so subtle impacts that our environment has on each of us. This program was able to extend my understanding of the impact of Trauma and the importance for reaching communities that do not have access to treatment that is so desperately needed to heal the depth of impact that trauma has both on the individual and the family. Read more>>

Madison Louise

My YTTs (yoga teacher trainings) were transformative, deeply connecting me to both personal growth and a sense of community. I trained in a program that emphasized not only the physical aspects of yoga but also the spiritual and mental elements, which really shaped my holistic approach to wellness. One of the most impactful moments came when we had to teach a class for the first time. I remember feeling both excited but terrified to step into the role of a teacher and see myself in a new way. But when I saw the positive response from my students, I realized how empowering it is to guide others through their practice and how in doing that I was guided back to myself. That first teaching experience reinforced my belief that wellness is about creating a supportive space where people feel seen, heard, and capable of growth. These client first, holistic nature of my brand. Read more>>

Mikaela Thepvongsa

On November 2020, I reflected on my journey in nursing school and wrote, “It’s surreal to think about how far I have come in nursing school. I recall being extremely nervous at my nursing school interview, where the director said, ‘We called up (WSU) Spokane and Yakima to ask if they ever had a nursing student who was deaf, and they said, “no, we never have,” so you would be the very first!’” Being the first deaf student at Washington State University, College of Nursing was not easy, but I felt a strong sense of responsibility to pave the way for other potential students who wanted to follow the same path. This experience highlighted not only diversity but also inclusion, acceptance, and adaptability within the institution. It was a challenging yet rewarding journey, where I had to navigate numerous obstacles while advocating for the necessary accommodations and support. Read more>>

Ellen Barber

My training in energy work has been a deeply personal journey, one that has constantly called me to check back in with my faith and ensure I’m staying aligned with my values. Growing up, energy work like Reiki was very natural to me—my grandmother and aunts all practiced it, so I never felt any resistance or questioning around it. It was simply part of my life and spiritual practice. Read more>>

 

Tanner Brusnighan

Chiropractic school was an incredible experience with lots of lessons learned academically, but also life lessons. I love to describe the experience of attaining knowledge in that institution as “drinking from a firehouse.” There was so much to learn, understand, and apply in just a few years. One of the unintentional things that I learned from that experience was how to be critical of information. We live in a modern world of the internet where anyone can put information that may be biased, skewed, or just plain false. My experience with going through a rigorous program ended with me learning to be a little skeptical of what information I am hearing, not to judge or dismiss, but to say to myself “I am going to look into that further at a later time.” That way when the time comes to recall information that may be pertinent to a patient, I can know that I have done my due diligence and the information that I am passing on I know is correct, and backed by as much evidence as I can provide. Read more>>

Spencer Rice

During my time at the University of Florida in nursing school, I felt incredibly supported and well-prepared for the transition into the professional field of nursing. The faculty and staff were deeply invested in our success, providing personalized guidance and numerous opportunities to get involved in hands-on learning experiences. From clinical rotations to mentorship programs, there was a strong emphasis on practical skills and professional development. This supportive environment, coupled with collaborative peer networks, gave me the confidence and tools I needed to move smoothly from the classroom into real-world healthcare settings. Read more>>