Ashley's Blog

It's the time for pomegranates and while shopping for groceries today I felt inclined to purchase my first one of the season. I found that if you cut the pomegranate in a bowl of water that the seeds sink to the bottom and the rest of the fruit floats on top of the water. This makes it easier to get the seeds out and makes the whole process much less messy. I also have found from past experience that pomegranate seeds stain clothing permanently…so be very careful when eating!! 

You would think with how time consuming it is to cut a pomegranate that I would have been more cautious when putting the seeds into the refrigerator. Unfortunately, I set the dish full of seeds on the edge of the counter, which got promptly knocked to the floor. I stood there for a minute looking at the seed-covered kitchen and decided instead of crying about the mess that I would blog about it!  Luckily I managed to salvage a small bowl of seeds that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend that everyone attempt to cut a pomegranate at least once… it really makes you appreciate the fruit of your labor! By the way, pomegranates contain powerful anti-oxidants that are good for blood vessel health, cancer prevention and allergies. There are many health claims when it comes to pomegranates.... but one thing I know for sure... they are Delicious!!! 

The Patriots 

This weekend, my boyfriend hosted his mom who came in town from Boston. She brought me the cutest little Patriots shirt to wear for Sunday's game, as the family members are diehard New England Patriots fans. Being a sport, I wore the shirt over to watch the game, but kept my fleece zipped up to my neck until I was inside! I can't let anyone see me in a Patriots shirt in Bears territory!  I am only kidding… I don't mind who sees me in a New England shirt… but I do believe I was in the minority in the city of Chicago as far as Patriots fans go! 

Campus Visit Day

This weekend was the final Campus Visit Day of 2010. I spent the whole day with prospective naturopathic students answering questions and leading them through the various stations set up for the day. They day started out with breakfast and a welcome from the president, Dr. Winterstein. Then the guests split up into groups based on their program of interest and were sent off for a busy day of simulated patient care, sample class lectures, student and alumni panels, and an overview of the admissions process. I always feel honored to share my experience at National and leave the day feeling even more enthusiastic with my decision to become a naturopath! I remember the Campus Visit Day I attended way back in 2005 with my father that helped me make my decision to come to NUHS… so long ago! We were definitely impressed and that is ultimately the reason why I am here!

I hope everyone got to enjoy this mild weathered weekend, as the cold weather will be here to stay soon enough! Until next week, be well!

Happy Halloween!! I am pretty sure I have overdosed on pumpkin this weekend!! It all started with breakfast this morning being pumping pancakes… followed by pumpkin carving, pumpkin seed roasting and pumpkin pie baking! Now, I am enjoying the glow of my pumpkin on the porch while watching scary movies! I normally absolutely detest scary movies but 'tis the season! Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays and I fully enjoyed it this year! 

Clinic News

A group of students from a local high school came to visit National this past week to learn about alternative medicine. An intern from the chiropractic program, and intern from the acupuncture and oriental medicine program, and one of my fellow clinic interns from the naturopathic program presented on our respective programs and what each of the professions can do for patients. Many students were fascinated about the naturopathic program and wanted more information on how to become a naturopathic doctor! I am so happy that young students are being exposed to the naturopathic profession because had I known of this medical pathway way back when I was starting out on my college career I would have made different decisions for sure! 

Campus Visit Day

Speaking of future naturopathic doctors, Campus Visit Day will be held next weekend. As it stands now, the stats for visitors are almost 50/50 for ND-interested students and DC-interested students. This is a first for Campus Visit Day for sure! Usually, there is an overwhelming amount of DC prospect students coming from far and wide to check out the school for Campus Visit Day, but with the ND program growing interest we are starting to have a greater presence on campus! I will be at Campus Visit Day this weekend to answer questions of prospective students and to help give tours of the campus. Come and join if you can!

Have a spook-tacular week!!

This week has been full of great news! I officially learned that NUHS will break ground next week for its very first student run botanical garden!

Campus Garden

This whole project started almost one year ago after fellow classmates and I visited a naturopathic school in Seattle during the 2009 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) convention. The botanical garden on their campus completely blew us away and inspired us to start a garden at our school. After writing a detailed proposal, composing a list of botanicals that grow best in this climate, and holding several meetings with students and administrators, we were approved!

Now I know it sounds like I am a complete green thumb with my community garden in full swing, and now having a garden on campus to take care of, but this couldn't be further from the truth! In actuality, this is my first year gardening ever! It just goes to show that with a little research, determination and a few gardening gurus as friends, it really isn't that hard!

I am so proud of all the hard work we have put in to make this plan come to fruition and it reminds me of a cute tag line I read in a gardening magazine…You Grow Girl! 

College Bowl

Another exciting piece of news came this week when the president of the NMSA (Naturopathic Medical Students Association) approached me and asked if I would be interested in participating in the ZRT College Bowl at the 2010 AANP Convention. A group of 4-5 students from each naturopathic college get the chance to represent their school in a quiz bowl at the convention. Each school picks a color for their team t-shirts, which for NUHS just so happens to be hot orange again this year.  

It sounds super nerdy I know, but it really is a great time! Of course I said that I would love to go and let's be serious, who can pass up an opportunity to get together and celebrate our medicine with a NDs from all over the country! This year the convention will be held August 11th-15th near a naturopathic college in Portland, OR and the winner will receive a check for $10,000!  I can't wait to report back on how we do!

Campus Visit Day

With so much great news this week, I had a lot to talk about this at Campus Visit Day. National holds three Campus Visit Days per year which gives prospective students a chance to come tour the campus, meet with admissions counselors, talk to current students in their program of interest, and get a feel for what life is like as a student at NUHS. I remember way back in the summer of 2006 when my dad and I drove in from Iowa to attend a Campus Visit Day. Little did I know back then that I would spend the next 5 years here! Knowing how valuable Campus Visit Day was for me, I have volunteered at most of them since I have been a student. Despite a few downpours, the event was a success!

Go Hawks!

As for now, I am off to watch game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals…GO HAWKS! I will be sure to report next week on the progress of our new garden at NUHS!