NHI San Jose Student Dafne Rodriguez Discovers the Power of Presence in Massage Therapy
Dafne Rodriguez | NHI San Jose Massage School Student
Dafne Rodriguez is a current Core Massage Therapy Program student at NHI San Jose. While NHI’s comprehensive, well-rounded programs drew Dafne in, the breadth of support she received from numerous staff led her to take a leap and pursue a career in massage therapy.
Discover Dafne’s journey thus far as a student at NHI San Jose by reading her story below.
Pursue A Career in Massage Therapy
My journey to National Holistic Institute began two years after earning my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. I’ve always had an interest in massage therapy, and after some time exploring my options, I decided to take a leap and pursue a career in massage therapy.
I choose NHI for my massage therapy education because of its comprehensive, well-rounded program that offered a blend of theory and hands-on practice. When I attended one of their sampler events, I met Cheryl, a mentor who inspired me with her personal journey into massage therapy, and the vast opportunities she had experience in her career.
Cheryl’s story, combined with NHI’s strong reputation for providing high-quality training and support, confirmed that it was the right place for me to pursue my education. I knew NHI would prepare me to be a confident, skilled, and successful massage therapist in the field.
Dafne Rodriguez (left) with Financial Aid Administrator Idaly Barrios
While researching programs, I connected with, Idaly Barrios, a Financial Aid Administrator at the NHI San Jose campus. She has not only guided me through all my financial questions but went above and beyond to ensure I fully understood the process and felt supported in making this important decision.
Idaly’s kindness and expertise helped solidify my decision to join NHI, where I am now on the path to turning my passion for sports massage into a fulfilling career.
The Power of Presence in Massage Therapy
The most memorable experience I’ve had at NHI so far was during my first student massage clinic session. I was anxious beforehand, as it was my first time working on an actual client rather than just family members or peers. When I introduced myself to my very first client, I was stuck in my head, overthinking everything. But the moment I stepped into the treatment room everything changed.
A sense of calm washed over me, and I became completely focused on the session. Time seemed to fly by as I instinctively applied everything I had learned. The experience taught me not only the power of presence in massage therapy, but also that I’m capable of handling the real world environment with confidence.
After completing the core program, I hope to secure a position in the modality I enjoy enjoy the most sports massage. I have a passion for working with athletes, and helping them optimize their performance, recover from injuries, and maintain peak physical condition. Additionally, I plan to further my education by enrolling in the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy (ANMT) program to deepen my knowledge and expand my skill set. I’m excited about combining my love for sports massage with more advanced techniques to make a greater impact in the field.
Massage Therapy is a Rewarding Career
My advice is someone interested in attending NHI or pursuing massage therapy as a career is to stay organized and on top of your coursework. It’s essential to make time for studying, practicing, and honing your skills, but don’t forget to prioritize self-care.
Balancing your personal needs with the demands of the program is crucial to avoiding burnout and maintaining a healthy mindset. Massage therapy is a rewarding career, but it’s important to take care of yourself first so you can give your best to others.
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