A Road to Homeopathy
By Jena V., NYC
Elementary school brought the challenge of juggling science fairs and talent shows. High school taught the value of dedication, mastering the classroom by day and the dance studio by night. College tested my limits, as I’d complete that Anatomy and Physiology or Microbio exam just in time to run and audition for Mary Poppins on Broadway.
For as long as I can remember I’ve had two passions, the first being dancing and the performing arts – my hearts’ passion, the second being the Sciences – my brain’s passion. Although I was told I’d never be able to do both, up to this point in my life I’ve managed to fuel both fires and I can’t imagine my life any other way. My four-year journey at New York City’s Hunter College (midtown Manhattan’s branch of the City University of New York) began with no specific direction, but I consistently gravitated toward Biology, Psychology and Physiology classes. By year two I was following the Pre-Medical curriculum. I had no intention of ever pursuing Medical School but discovered there were such a thing as Physician Assistants – a rapidly growing position in the medical field, which I felt was heading in the right direction, at least. What appealed to me about Physician Assistants was the fact that they have the knowledge of a doctor but the time with the patient as a nurse. Instead of seeing their patients once every three days, as doctors often do, being a PA would allow me to spend enough time with the patient to be able to really get to the root of the problem. I’ve never been a fan of slapping a bandage over one’s symptoms and sadly, I feel this has become more and more prevalent as pharmaceutical companies continue to increase in strength and dominance. During my 3rd year at Hunter, I volunteered at New York Presbyterian Hospital working with patients being treated for and recovering from Cancer. This experience was everything from humbling, rewarding and brought moments of joy, to devastating and completely tragic. I remember my Mom always mentioning how she could never envision me working in a Hospital, and truthfully, I never felt at home there. Was PA going to be my road? I wasn’t convinced. As a professional dancer and performing artist, my body is my tool and maintaining optimal health and wellness is essential. Living in New York City tests the limits on all grounds when it comes to maintaining balance in mind, body and soul, but is also a playground for those seeking that balance. Whether it be Yoga in Central Park, Whole Foods Organic Market, Lululemon’s seminar with Brendan Brazier or the hundred Bikram studios to choose from, I’ve loved trying new ways to calm the mind and body from the NYC rush and strive to feel the absolute best I can in order to stay on top of my game. The more I’m learning, feeling, experiencing and experimenting, the more my belief in the holistic approach to health and wellness has solidified. Holistic medicine and nutrition is the wave of the future. In his recent book ‘Thrive’, elite athlete Brendan Brazier explains:Western society is in a state of health never seen in history. We are fatter, less productive, and at a higher risk for developing disease, early osteoporosis, and clinical depression than ever before. We have chosen to define the word health as, simply, the absence of disease. That’s it. “Not being sick” is not good enough. Existing in a disease-free state is the start, but by no means the pinnacle of health. We can have so much more. (Brazier, 4)
I feel on a daily basis, and see on a daily basis that healthier people are capable of greater achievements, and that health and wellness lays the foundation on which a higher standard of living can be built. I’ve never been very comfortable with ‘average’, I don’t accept complacency and I will never stop learning or reaching for absolute potential. I believe the greatest investment is an investment in ones’ self, for you’re of no use to anyone else if you’re not breathing. In order to effectively help others I firmly believe you must first help yourself and understand that our ability to help others and bring about positive change in the world will be far greater and considerably more effective if we are in top form. I discovered the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine about a year ago while researching Masters and Post Graduate programs throughout Canada and the United States. All aspects of the program were exactly what I was looking for except for one thing; I felt there was not enough emphasis placed on nutrition, as I would have hoped. In my mind it is a package deal, for nutrition IS medicine. I then found a program offered in New York City called Integrative Nutrition which is a year long course with a Holistic approach to nutrition and wellbeing. I played with the idea of obtaining this certificate, which would compliment a future diploma from CCHM. It was then I came across the double diploma – Homeopathic Medicine and Homeopathic Nutrition that CCHM would begin to offer in September and there is not a doubt in my mind this was where I belong. I have felt hard in my life and I have lived a lot. I know the importance and impact a ‘healthy being – mind, body and soul’ has on every aspect of one’s life; achievements, relationships, drive, energy and all round quality of life. This is what I want to learn, represent and pass on – to lead, guide, and help people obtain optimal health so they can go on to reach their every dream.