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.

Terri Edwards

Most of my studies have helped to prepare me for nutrition counseling as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist. From my undergraduate work and training in analysis, to my graduate and certification work and training in the structure and function of the human body, best practices in holistic nutrition, current theories, and appropriate holistic nutrition protocols for individuals, my education and training experience has prepared me to work one-on-one and with groups, informing and supporting individuals to gain greater overall health and wellness through adjustments to food and lifestyle. Read more>>

Janvi Raichura

I went to USC and finished my physical therapy schooling in 2021, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a surreal time to be entering the healthcare field—treating people through masks, over Zoom, or in outdoor setups was far from traditional, but it ended up being incredibly formative. I learned how to adapt quickly, communicate clearly even without physical cues, and really see the whole person—not just the diagnosis or the body part. That experience shaped how I practice today: with creativity, flexibility, and a deep respect for the context each patient brings into the room. Read more>>

Elena Beltran

The road to becoming an acupuncturist is longer than you might think. After finishing a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent, you then have 3-4 years of postgraduate education to complete. In Colorado, you have the option of studying solely acupuncture, or you can include herbal medicine into your curriculum. This education encompasses both Eastern and Western medical training. I chose to study both acupuncture and herbal medicine, which consisted of 3045 hours of educational training, including 825 clinic hours and 150 observation hours. Read more>>