We are back at it again, and the fall trimester is off to a strong start! I’m thankful for a replenishing break, and I have some exciting news to share: I got engaged to my partner, Kahalla!
Some of you may have seen her on campus, as we often study together while I review the lessons I’m learning in my courses. She’s also always a willing helping hand with Garden Club and our event setups.
Exploring Bali
We spent our break in Bali, Indonesia, with two of our closest friends, Simone and Simran, who helped me keep the proposal a surprise and assisted in making it such a special day. I was so nervous leading up to it, but on the day of, I managed to keep it cool.
The day started with a nice walk through the jungle of Ubud, followed by breakfast and a group photo shoot around our resort and the surrounding rice fields. I planned the photo shoot so Kahalla wouldn’t suspect that the cameraman was actually there to capture this special moment in time.
Our last stop for photos took place at our villa. She walked in to the sight of a pool filled with flowers holding the message, “Marry me?” Simone handed me the ring, and in her moment of surprise, Kahalla turned to find me down on one knee. We shared a sweet laugh and embrace before she said yes! We then jumped into the pool, fully clothed, surrounded by the cheers of our loved ones and our new friend who was capturing it all.
She Said YES!
We sealed this loving energy with a visit to the sacred water temple, where we placed traditional offerings before statues of the deities that guard the space and took part in a water cleansing ceremony beneath twin waterfalls. It was such a beautiful way to honor the day and begin this next chapter together.
We ended the day with a private dinner, sharing reflections from this past year in our journals and exchanging moments in writing over a five-course meal with live music playing in the background. After we had finished eating, a musician asked if we wanted to dance. I’m not much of a dancer, so we ended the night with a sun salutation flow of Qigong instead.
It was such a beautiful day, and I pray my heart visits the details often.
The rest of the trip was a blast as well! We visited art museums, created batik in a traditional art studio, and sat with an elder to learn how to make traditional offerings for an upcoming festival honoring the pets of the land. We spent some time in Canggu by the beach, communing with the water and giving our thanks to the land and the teachings it shared with us.
There was also a traditional Balinese herbal drink that I’m so grateful to have experienced, called Loloh Cem-cem. Made from cemcem leaves, this refreshing drink is valued in Balinese herbal medicine for supporting digestion and overall wellness. The leaves contain naturally occurring plant compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics and tannins, which contribute to their antioxidant properties. I loved being able to experience a part of the island’s herbal traditions firsthand, especially as someone studying naturopathic medicine. It was another beautiful reminder of how deeply connected the land, culture and traditional healing practices can be.
Balinese Art & Culture
We also got to spend time at museums where we ran into artists whose works were on display. We exchanged gratitude and laughter as we watched them paint, with the surrounding greenery illuminating the colors on their canvases. Those were some of my favorite moments, getting to witness people so deeply connected to their crafts and the land around them.
I’m so grateful for this time to rest and for the milestone we reached on this journey together. I’m grateful for all the planning, intention and support that went into making this experience so special. I think it’s important that this time was carved out, especially since my life as a student can keep my focus pulled toward my goal of becoming a great practitioner. Being able to step away, celebrate our love, and simply enjoy life together was something I didn’t realize how much I needed until we were there.
Back to School
Of course, I dove right back into classes when we returned, and the jet lag had me in a bit of a dreamy state for the first week and a half. I’m feeling much better now, though, and I’ve jumped right back into the fast-paced swing of things, especially with some new roles I’m taking on around campus.
I’m now the Global Health Chair for Naturopathic Professional Student Association (NPSA), and I’m excited to use this platform to uplift the field of naturopathy and amplify the voices of students within the program, as well as those who may be interested in joining the profession. I’m balancing this new responsibility with my role as president of the Garden Club, and honestly, I think I’m doing a great job so far!
Fall Club Lunch
We had Club Lunch this week, and I just want to give a special shout-out to our first-trimester students! So many of them have green thumbs and have already shared their excitement about being part of the Garden Club. I’m looking forward to having our fall cleanup in a few weeks so that we can prepare our garden for the upcoming winter and bond through the hours we spend tending the land together.
Not to end on a sad note, but I have a feeling our swan friends may be leaving campus soon as the weather cools. I’ve been sitting on the lawn more lately, trying to soak up as much time with them as I can. They are one of my favorite parts of our beautiful campus, and I’m going to miss seeing them around the pond. Hopefully, we still have a little more time together before they head off for the season.
I’m happy to be back, grateful for the replenishing break, and even more grateful for the love and support that continue to make this journey so meaningful. Between classes, my new responsibilities, Garden Club, and everything else, there’s plenty to keep me busy.
Now it’s time to lock in for my upcoming Part I board exams, which I intend to take in February.
Let’s go!
