UTMI

The decision to go into the field of massage was an easy one for me. I loved the benefits from massage. I knew it had health benefits as well as comforting, relaxing benefits. Ever since I was a young child my mother would massage my and my sister's scalps. I recalled how comforting that was and how more people should know that feeling. I had been told that I had good hands for it and that I should try doing it as a career. I didn't give it a whole lot of thought until I found myself at a turning point in my life. I had been in an administrative position for over 11 years for a subcontractor when I became pregnant with my third child. At the time, my field of work was going through a very dry patch. Construction was at an all time low and cutbacks had to be made. The company had decided a layoff would be in the cards for me. I would have been working to pay for daycare anyway, so it came almost as a blessing in disguise. I wasn't satisfied with a desk job anymore, and wanted more for my life. I also wanted to be able to spend more time with my children. I knew that a career as a Massage Therapist would give me the opportunity to have a more flexible schedule. And if I started my own business I could be my own boss, make my own schedule and finally have the time for my family I always wanted.

When school first started, I wondered if I was going to be able to meet the demands ofmy classes. I was going to have plenty of homework and studying to do, and with three children, including one infant, that was going to be a bit of a struggle. Thankfully my husband was completely supportive and said he would help me in any way he could. My whole family, for that matter, was very supportive. My mother, father and sister all help take care of the kids when they can to ease some of the responsibility for my husband. Without them, I don't know that this would be possible. I plan on paying them all back with some very good massages. School has been such a wonderful experience. I have met some really fantastic people. I couldn't have picked better classmates or teachers. All of whom are very encouraging. I know I have made some very good friends.

I am really looking forward to a career in Massage. Learning something new everyday in school gives me the energy and creativity to really put my heart and mind in this choice that I've made. I plan on starting off working out of my home. I would like to be mobile as well. That is what's so wonderful about this field, you have so many options open to you. With most fields, you have to stay sedentary and you can't really move around. With Massage you can get out in the world, building a clientele, and meeting new and interesting people. I think of all the people I have already met and it gives me great joy just to think of what's out there. The main purpose of this field is to make people feel better. Whether it's for relaxation, easing pain, or just a nice way to get away from the everyday stress that we have in our lives, massage can do all of these things and so much more. There is nothing that gives me more joy than seeing people's expressions after a massage, knowing that I've done something really wonderful for them is a really awesome feeling. Knowing you've made a difference in someone's life is very rewarding. I've never had that in any other job I've had. Now I'm starting to feel a sense of accomplishment. Realizing that I'm not just going to have a job, but a career is a fantastic feeling. I'm so anxious to get out there and show people everything I've learned. I'm really looking forward to helping people love life just a little more.

If you feel like massage therapy is where you want to be, just do it. Everything else will fall into place.

I chose UTMI specifically for their Medical Massage program. I started their Therapeutic Massage program last February, graduated last month in September and begin UTMI's Medical Massage program next month in November. I should be able to complete this course in only 4 months. Totally worth it.