My time here at National University has shaped me into who I am today. It has created a version of myself I did not know existed. The whole goal with coming to NUHS was to grow in my career and achieve my Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, but it has opened my eyes to so much more.
Challenges Teach Patience.
There were moments throughout the program that challenged me in ways I did not expect. Long nights of studying and moments of self-doubt pushed me outside of my comfort zone. But looking back now, those were the moments that shaped me the most. They taught me patience, trust and the importance of being present not only with my patients, but with myself.
Clinic was where everything started to come together. Sitting across from patients, listening to their stories, and trying to connect the pieces of their health through a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) lens was both humbling and empowering. It was not always easy, and I didn’t always feel confident, but with each interaction, I grew. Slowly, I began to trust my knowledge, my instincts and the medicine itself.
The Reality of Healing.
One of the most meaningful lessons I will carry with me is that healing is not always linear. TCM taught me to appreciate the body’s natural rhythms and to respect the process. Sometimes progress is subtle, sometimes it takes time, but there is always movement. That perspective has not only shaped the way I will treat future patients, but also how I approach my own life.
This experience gave me more than a degree. It gave me confidence, resilience and a deeper understanding of what it means to genuinely care for others. Most importantly, it showed me a version of myself of which I am proud. It is one that is capable, compassionate and still evolving.
What’s Next?
As graduation approaches, I find myself feeling a mix of emotions of gratitude, excitement and a little bit of uncertainty. Leaving behind the structure of school is intimidating, but I also feel ready. Ready to continue learning, ready to grow and ready to step into this next chapter as a practitioner.
