Hello blogosphere! My name is Ashley and I am an 8th trimester
Naturopathic Medicine student at National University of Health Sciences.
Let me take a moment to introduce myself.
I was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and spent my
elementary school years in West Des Moines. From 7th grade on, I
was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, AKA the "City of 5 Seasons," or
as the locals jokingly refer to it, the "City of 5 Smells"! Being
an Iowan, I must dispel a few of the crazy rumors that I have heard
in my day.
For starters, "Yes, we do speak English!" I've most certainly
been asked this… Seriously? Also, not all Iowans love country
music, however, I do! Another thing, the Hawkeye State isn't just
one big cornfield, and not everyone knows how to drive a tractor,
nor do we all speak with a twang! In actuality, Iowa is a very
liberal and progressively thinking state that adheres to many of
the values that I believe in. Being that my roots originate in the
Heartland, I am completely determined to spread the values of
Naturopathic Medicine throughout the Midwest!
While in high school, I knew I wanted to work in the health care
field in some capacity and took as many college general education
classes at the local community college as were allowed. After
graduation, I began as a pre-med major at the University of Iowa,
but after my first semester with class sizes upwards of 400
students, I knew that this was not going to be the learning
environment for me. I decided to take classes at a local community
college while trying to figure out what avenue of health care I
wanted to pursue.
After shadowing a local chiropractor who recommended National
University, I decided to sign up for the next available Campus
Visit Day. It was the best decision I've ever made! I discovered
that National would be offering a Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Program and determined that this opportunity was perfect for me.
Class sizes were more manageable and I instantly fell in love with
Naturopathic Medicine after taking a nutrition class taught by a
naturopathic doctor on staff. I graduated valedictorian of my
Bachelor of Science class in April 2007 and matriculated into the
naturopathic program in Fall 2007.
Every day I am constantly reminded of why I love this field of
medicine and am reassured that I made the right decision to pursue
this degree. As naturopathic students in the Midwest, I believe
that we are pioneers in this growing field and I'm honored to do my
part to help pave the way for future naturopathic doctors!
I hope this blog gives you a glimpse of what life as a
naturopathic student is like! If you have any questions please feel
free to e-mail me!
-- Ashley