Help Me Build a Career in Massage Therapy

Hello! Thank you for being here and taking the time to consider what I’m about to share…

After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to return to school for massage therapy to build a career rooted in wellness and service to others. In all honesty, massage therapy was always the path I felt was best for me. Unfortunately, as a young adult, I let society convince me that “I wouldn’t be successful”, which I’ve recently been unpacking and realize is entirely untrue. I’ve always wanted my work to create real, tangible impact in people’s lives while offering a more sustainable lifestyle for myself. Massage therapy combines my love for health, human connection, and hands-on healing — and I’m more than ready to take this step!

And just so we’re clear, this decision WAS NOT made lightly. As you’re aware, going back to school as an adult is a completely different ballgame than when we’re fresh out of high school: it comes with it’s own challenges of school-work-life balance and for most, especially in this economy, it’s completely unsustainable and a financially irresponsible move. After a lot of thought between physical therapy and massage therapy, I realized a hands-on, service-based career, with a shorter path to licensure is the right move.

Long story short, I’ve chosen North Carolina School of Advanced Bodywork in Charlotte, NC. The program is only six months long, which gets me into the field the quickest with the least amount of overhead. Rather than taking on more debt or high-interest loans, I’ve chosen to fund this next chapter through part-time work (evenings and weekends) and hopefully, some charitable donations from loved ones like yourself! Every contribution — no matter the size — helps cover the direct costs of tuition - the same expenses that would be covered under financial aid if I would have gone a more “traditional” educational route.

Here’s what I’m working towards:

* Down payment & textbooks: $2,000

* Travel to and from Charlotte (6 months): $3,000

* Partial housing (6 months): $5,400

TOTAL Goal: $10,400 total

Please know that I fully recognize how significant this request is. Your support helps me stay focused on completing the program and stepping into a new chapter with purpose and drive. Thank you for believing in me — your encouragement means more than you know.

All my gratitude,

Desiree