One thing that’s been on my mind a lot is how grateful I am for the mentors I’ve had along the way. When I started, my knowledge of chiropractic was pretty limited. All I really knew was that I wanted to do functional neurology, and that most of those docs had a chiropractic background. I remember all those early program emotions—excitement, fear, uncertainty, imposter syndrome and everything in between. But there was one moment in my first trimester that really shaped the kind of student I wanted to be.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I had an upcoming anatomy practical on the upper extremity, and at the time, it felt impossible. I was planted in the library trying to make sense of which muscle was where, when an upper tri student—who also happened to be an anatomy TA—sat down next to me and asked if I needed a hand. I told him what I was struggling with, and without hesitation, he spent over an hour walking me through each muscle, explaining their origins, insertions, actions and innervations. It finally started to click, and I was beyond grateful. But what really stuck with me wasn’t just the help—it was his kindness.

When I thanked him, he simply said he was happy to do it because upper tri students had helped him when he was in my shoes. “Just continuing the tradition,” he told me.

That moment shaped my approach to this program. It showed me how important it is to support the people coming up behind us and how much of a difference that can make. No one truly understands what this journey is like unless they’re in it too, so having people who get it is invaluable.

In my last blog post, I talked about the importance of getting involved, and I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I keep emphasizing it because it led me to my most valuable mentor. Since I plan to practice functional neurology and functional medicine, joining the Functional Neurology Club connected me with older students who genuinely cared and were excited to share guidance I couldn’t find anywhere else. One of the best parts of being at this school is that so many students before us have paved the way and are more than willing to help us find our own path.

Looking back, I know my experience in this program—and my confidence in my career goals—would be completely different without the incredible people who came before me. But that’s the spirit of National students—success with an open hand.

Read more about Christina’s journey in NUHS’ Doctor of Chiropractic Program here.