Student Story: Nancy Delgado
From Chicago, IL
Currently an office manager in a chiropractic office
What brought you to massage in general, and to Soma specifically?
I’ve always wanted to come to school to become a licensed massage therapist, and I got even more into it as I continued working in the medical field. I was able to understand the topics more because of my experience with chiropractic and natural healing without meds.
Do you like having classes in downtown Chicago?
The transportation getting here is easy. Waking my kids up early I don’t like, but our schedules are the same now and I’m able to spend time with them, so I like that part.
Who are your biggest influences?
My influences are my biggest motivation ever: my parents. They came here for a better life for them and me and my brothers, and I want to make them proud of me.
Anything else you want to add?
I’m happy that I’m attending Soma. It’s been a long run since when I first started. I was working two jobs, I was being the mom of two kids, and I was attending here. But I’m glad I made this choice for me and my kids.
Student Story: Kalyn Hanratty
From St. Charles, IL
Former server and acupuncturist assistant.
Current mom and student.
What brought you to massage in general and to Soma specifically?
Working in the acupuncture office made me realize how interested I am in healing and in the human body. It was suggested to me by a Soma graduate that I attend Soma. She told me I was going to love it and learn a ton.
Do you like having classes in downtown Chicago?
Yes, I live in the suburbs, so it’s nice to have a balance of city/country life!
Who are your biggest influences?
My sister and my close friends.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m very happy I chose to go back to school and enrolled in Soma. I feel like I am getting a great education and I am looking forward to seeing what my future holds.
Career Fair Pics
There’s no way to describe every picture in here. Needless to say, a good time seems to be had be all the participants and staff during our Career Fair, and we think these pics represent that.
A Variety of Massage Careers
You’ve gotten your diploma. Now what? There are many options available to you (and more being added all the time). Whether working in a spa, for a doctor, or starting your own business, there is no lack of choices for moving your career forward. We’ve found a great article from the American Massage Therapy Association that highlights some of your options.
There is no such thing as a standard massage therapy practice. One of the reasons individuals choose this profession is because of the flexibility it offers in terms of work hours, independence, and choice of practice locations and types.
Massage therapists can work full time or part-time. Massage therapists spend additional time on things like scheduling, billing, housekeeping and marketing, to name a few.
Read the rest of the article here.
Massage Away Your Winter Blues
In the winter students come to school in the dark and they go home in the dark, and that can give anyone the blues. Lucky for them, and lucky for you if you receive regular massage during the winter months, massage has been shown time and time again to be one of your best defenses against the winter blues.
People looking to fend off the winter blues may find relief by integrating massage therapy into their health maintenance routine. Shorter days and colder temperatures leave many Americans feeling depressed and lethargic, yet studies show that regular massages improve mood and reset circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep and more energy.
Read more about how to massage your winter blues away by clicking here.