I have been focusing on returning to a more consistent and devoted practice of self-care. Honestly, I am working on embodying the same advice I hope to offer my future patients. While it’s one thing to discuss the importance of self-care, it is a completely different thing to take the time to actually care for yourself. I have been intentional about finding the time to practice grounding meditation, sound healing, prayer, spending time outdoors and even making time to engage in activities that bring joy to my inner child. These experiences remind me that rest does not impede my ability to learn. Rather, it allows me to learn more deeply and to arrive at my studies with greater presence.

Conference Preparation

In addition, I am preparing for the upcoming Naturopathic Medicine Student Association (NMSA) Conference with the Cup Team (representing 911±¬ÁÏ). We will compete in a trivia format tournament with other naturopathic medicine schools, responding to various questions that relate to our studies.

Although I’m a bit nervous, I feel very confident about our team. We have been meeting each week since the beginning of this trimester to review material and study together. Seeing everyone’s level of commitment has motivated me to participate in this event and compete with pride. As much as I want to stay ahead with my coursework prior to leaving, I also want to allow myself the opportunity to simply enjoy this experience. This will be my first conference as a student at 911±¬ÁÏ, and I am aware that I will gain many new insights from attending the conference beyond the actual competition.

Beyond Studying

Outside of school, I appreciate the artists, healers and practitioners in my personal life who have created environments for us to have honest discussions regarding purpose, justice and the type of individuals we are developing to become through our work. We consistently reflect upon how we align ourselves within our individual crafts to develop a world that is slightly more just and compassionate than the one we were born into. These reflections help me see that healing extends far beyond the walls of the clinic. At times, healing begins by having open dialogue over dinner, creating art, walking or entering a space where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgment.

I’ve been reflecting on how critical it is to live out the knowledge I am gaining. When I provide recommendations to future patients based on my personal experiences, these concepts seem more valuable. It is easy to suggest to someone else that they should slow their pace, nourish themselves, meditate or spend time in nature. However, it is quite a bit more whole and intimate to understand what these practices have done for my own journey.

Life Happens

Through the oscillations of life, I trust that all things are unfolding as they are intended. I do not have all the answers, nor do I need all of them. My task today is to continue arriving with reverence for the life I have been gifted, love for those surrounding me and sufficient discipline to keep moving towards my goals. In doing so, I find that joy and peace are not awaiting me at some point in the future once all tasks have been completed. Instead, they are discovered in the everyday choices I make to cultivate self-love, remain grounded and move forward in building the life which I believe God is calling me to build.

The post Staying the Course appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.

Mostly, this past week reminded me how grateful I am to the people in my life. I’m glad for the help that I got from my friends, co-workers and my partner, Kahalla, for helping to carry me through a difficult period. I’m also very grateful for professors such as Dr. Dybala, who have led with compassion and understanding when students like me have gone through periods of great difficulty. It’s easy to forget how valuable compassion is when you’re the one who needs it.

The Pace of Everyday Life

Luckily, I am starting to feel a little better and more grounded as well. There is still a sense of playing catch up. Laundry still needs to be folded. Emails still need to be answered. The house still needs to be taken care of. Even the seeds that I have been cultivating seem to be wanting reverence and care that I have not always had the capacity to provide in the last three weeks. However, I am finding my way back to those responsibilities. Slowly.

What I am most grateful for is that experiences like this always appear to send me back toward the practices that sustain me. When life becomes uncertain or overwhelming, I find myself going back deeper into meditation and prayer. Something about being forced to slow down makes me realize what is truly important. Not just what needs to be accomplished, but who I want to be while accomplishing them.

I’ve been involved in a book club with some friends I met years ago during my undergraduate study at UC Berkeley. We have been reading Breaking the Habit of Being Your Self by Joe Dispenza. The book examines the relationships between our thoughts, feelings, behaviors and identities. It suggests that many of us unconsciously repeat similar patterns every day and, and in doing so, recreate the same experiences. It encourages readers to identify their personal patterns and to create new ones.

While reading this week, I reflected less on what I wanted to achieve and more on who I needed to develop into as a person. If I am seeking greater justice, equity and healing in the world of health and wellness, then I must be willing to grow into someone able to manage those responsibilities. That realization has been with me since reading the book.

Building Connections

We have some wonderful opportunities for connections on campus, as well. This past week, Garden Club planned a clipping exchange in conjunction with the library. I always look forward to seeing students trade plants, stories and growing tips with one another. There is something special about trading clippings. They contain the possibilities of growth, care and relationships.

Among other club events, the Fellowship of Christian University Students (FOCUS Club) held space for students to deepen connections with one another, spend time outside, and relax and play games on our beautiful campus lawn. In a program that can sometimes feel intense, I welcome opportunities to allow us to simply enjoy one another’s presence.

If you are currently experiencing struggles related to your education, health, family obligations or life in general, please know that I wish you love and gentleness. Sometimes we go through seasons of alignment. Sometimes we go through seasons of accomplishment when getting through the day is enough. Both are aspects of the journey.

Through all the trials and tribulations, I’m reminded of the beauty of nature and the vastness of the skies. We are held. And we are favored in this life.

The post Rising to the Challenge appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.

This week is Homecoming, and the campus has a bit more energy. Alumni will return. Students will connect across fields of focus. Hopefully, everyone will get to meet the swans’ babies (cygnets) that have finally hatched.

Our Favorite Cygnet

I think one of the cygnets is going to be my favorite. We have named him Boppy, as he is usually somewhere off bopping along in the water. Boppy is usually found a little further away from his family group and tends to investigate areas close to shore or along the edges of the pond before heading back. For that reason, he is a recognizable little puff even among his siblings. More than once, I will be walking to class thinking “where’s Boppy today?” He is also frequently discussed among the students.

911±¬ÁÏ’ Garden

There have been great changes in the garden. This past weekend, the Garden Club created walkways through the planting beds. It makes it easier to walk through the area without stepping on the plants. Standing back afterward and seeing how much easier the garden feels to navigate is very satisfying. Dr. (Lorinda) Sorensen came by with some butterfly and pollinator-friendly seedlings. Shortly thereafter, we saw Monarch caterpillars. As usual, I like to reflect as the event comes to a close. We talk so much about interconnected systems in medicine; it is incredible to be able to look outside and see the exact same processes occurring right before our eyes.

I have had a heavy load lately. With classes, clinic observation hours, board prep, gardening with different community groups, sound baths, community discussions, etc., there has not been a completely empty day on my calendar in a while. What surprises me is that I am enjoying most of it! My clinic observation hours have been especially enjoyable. Practitioners approach patients differently, and each patient comes in with their own unique story. Just observing these interactions reminds me that healing is never simply about symptoms: there is always history. There is always a person living a life behind whatever brings someone to the clinic.

In addition to schoolwork, I am still participating in Community Healing Spaces. I have been holding space for sound baths and community discussions. I have also spent weekends assisting senior adults with their gardens. Honestly, those are some of my favorite experiences. There is something special about listening to an elder tell a story about the fruit tree they planted 20 years ago, or hearing why they keep planting the same herb year after year. It reminds me that wisdom does not always come from inside a classroom.

The Art of Centering

Exams this week are also going to keep me busy. 911±¬ÁÏ three years ago, that statement itself would have caused anxiety. However, currently I find myself finding ways to center myself when needed. Prayer. Time outdoors. Conversations with people who understand my goals and my struggles. Eating real food and stopping to eat meals, rather than eating on-the-go snacks and drinking coffee. These smaller daily habits end up guiding me through larger times. As for upcoming projects, the Garden Club is collaborating with the Library for a Plant Giveaway either later this month or early next month. It is an honor to witness someone picking up a plant and beginning the start of their own journey of creating personal relationships with growth and the stewardship of nature.

Currently, my focus is divided among exams, observations, board studies, community events and checking on Boppy’s latest adventure around the pond. It is certainly a busy season, but it is a good one.

The post Summer Trimester at 911±¬ÁÏ appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.

Club Lunch Week

In addition to all of the work we need to complete this week, Club Lunch Week is happening. And, for those who may not be aware, Garden Club will be providing information at its table regarding herbs that promote healthy hair, along with herbs that support moisture retention. Since we do occasionally experience extremely dry air, regardless of the heat that is present during warm periods, herbal hair teas can help to combat dryness. Some examples of helpful herbs include Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Black Seed (Nigella sativa) and Star Anise (Illicium verum). These herbs can each be utilized to create either an herbal hair tea, or an herbal spritz, both of which aim to provide relief for individuals experiencing dryness.

Refreshing the Botanical Garden for the Season

When I see opportunities such as this one, I truly appreciate them. I believe they allow herbal medicine to become more accessible and applicable to everyday life rather than feeling disconnected and difficult to use. In addition to providing information about the herbs previously mentioned, we will also promote our next planting day. We will further develop the garden by sowing additional seedlings and completing cleaning tasks prior to the academic load of the remainder of the trimester becoming even more intense. The planting event is scheduled to take place June 6 from 8 a.m. -12 p.m. Honestly, it’s been such a great joy to continually build out the garden in segments. Seeing the area transformed into a more vibrant space, as well as a source of engagement and educational value for students interested in connecting more intimately with the plants we learn about has been very satisfying.

The Library

On another note, I have recently picked up a work study shift at the library. It has been a very relaxing and peaceful job. There’s something soothing about being surrounded by books, quiet study energy and established systems that function smoothly without having to worry about organizing anything when you first enter the space. I’m sending a shout out to all of the organized systems that came before me. They certainly provided me with a sense of grounding in this role while managing everything else the current trimester will demand!

More on Clubs!

I am also shopping around for additional clubs to join. I am excited to learn more about the various clubs associated with the acupuncture portion of my dual-degree program (naturopathic medicine and acupuncture). As I delve deeper into that aspect of my education, I want to locate areas that will allow me to connect with students who share similar interests and approaches to healing.

To both new students and students who are returning, I simply want to remind you all to show yourself kindness as you settle into your routine. This program asks a great deal from us mentally, physically and emotionally. However, there are places within this program to develop community and discover peace in what is otherwise a busy environment. Often it is small acts that serve as a means to carry you through the most stressful weeks.

The post Summer Tri 2026 & Club Lunch Week appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.

The remainder of our time here is extremely busy. This is final exam week, bringing us to a close of spring trimester. Many of us are flooded with motivation to finish in a way that will leave it all on the table with hopes that we get a good grade. However, I would like to kindly remind everyone to take care of themselves physically while we are under such intense pressure. Make sure to eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of water and get rest whenever possible. Small amounts of downtime may seem insignificant; however, they add up and positively impact one’s performance. Our work is important, yet so is the way we accomplish it.

The 911±¬ÁÏ Campus continues to undergo transformation. The swans have returned and, to me, represent a subtle reminder that time has passed. Despite feeling as though it was dragging in certain ways, it has indeed moved forward.

911±¬ÁÏ’ Botanical Garden

The Garden Club was able to complete the spring garden clean-up. In many respects, clearing out what had accumulated over the winter months provided the opportunity to clear space for new growth. As part of our planting efforts this year we included toothache plant

() which stimulates blood flow and provides pain relief particularly in relation to dental discomfort. Motherwort () was also planted. It is a medicinal herb commonly referred to as “heart medicine” due to its support for both the heart and nervous systems; it is commonly used to treat anxiety and regulate emotions. Cherry tomatoes were planted as a source of nutrient-dense food. Tomatoes are high in antioxidants including lycopene, which supports cardiovascular health. Collard greens were planted as well. They are strong minerals, rich in nutrients that support digestive function and overall vitality.

Being physically present among these plants that we study extensively and learning about was rejuvenating. Not simply studying these plants but rather putting them into the earth and having faith in the process thereafter.

Reconnecting With Family

I am excited about this upcoming break! Being with my family in California, spending quality time with them, and honoring the mothers in my life. I find that returning home after a period such as this one is so sweet. I am excited to see all the kids and the latest addition to our family, a baby girl named Klover.

Figuring out how to show up and adjust and continue regardless of whether things went right or wrong for 15 consecutive weeks is exactly what I plan on carrying with me into the next phase. I am hoping to finish strong and with deep reverence for the knowledge and with balance for all, that I am apart of in community, in family and in partnership.

The post It’s Finals Week. We made it! appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.

A Shared Journey.

Opening the door to the beautiful smiling faces of my people regulated my nervous system and brought me so much joy! We talked about the art and herbs stewarded in my home and shared our appreciation of being together. We discussed our purpose and journey toward pursuing a career in naturopathic medicine. I felt closer to each of them, hearing about their motivations and devotions. It was sweet to talk about our histories, upbringings, and ways we are opening ourselves to more love throughout our experience–especially during this time where it feels like there is a political attack on the field of medicine. I saw in each of them a divine reminder of why we have set out on this pursuit, and I am so grateful to have crossed paths with each of them.

As the evening wound down and the sound of rain contained us, we created flower arrangements as part of our Easter celebration. This ended up being a favorite aspect of the evening. There was something calming about taking the time to slow down and work by hand, carefully selecting each individual bloom, and carefully constructing something gentle and sweet out of a variety of flowers. It felt so tranquil; like the type of enjoyment that occurs when you are completely immersed and creating without fear or anxiety.

The one aspect of the evening that surprised me most was receiving a gift basket prepared by my guests. Each guest contributed to the basket, adding items that represented themselves. It felt very intimate and personalized. To receive such a gift basket wasn’t simply receiving a group of items, it was receiving a representation of the friendships I have developed. I felt recognized in a way that would be difficult to articulate during a period in life when so much is happening at a rapid pace.

Precious Memories.

There was a sweet opportunity after dinner when we spent some time viewing the photo album of Trinity’s wedding, reliving those moments together. While there was a certain level of happiness associated with looking at these photos, there was also a sense of gratitude for being able to witness devotion and commitment in all its forms. Viewing these photographs helped to recreate the feeling of experiencing something holy, sacred, loving, and intentional and sharing that experience again with friends. It amplified the significance of the memories.

Spring Trimester 2026: Home Stretch!

As finals approach and we have only two weeks remaining until exams conclude, I feel myself transitioning back into academic mode. There is still much work to complete prior to finalizing our studies; however, I am approaching this period with greater clarity and stability. In addition, I am extremely enthusiastic regarding beginning clinical observation periods for both of my programs (naturopathic medicine and acupuncture). Having the ability to enter this new environment and observe how the knowledge we have acquired through education translates into real-world treatment opportunities, is an exciting progression.

Currently, this experience feels as though it represents a transitional bridge. A bridge connecting study and practice with embodied wisdom and application. I am thankful to continue navigating this process alongside individuals who serve as reminders of why I initiated this journey.

The post Making Time for Things That Matter appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.

Through the fluctuations in temperature, spring is here and the time is now to begin planning a garden cleanup. It is magical to see the seedlings planted at the beginning of this trimester are about ready to be carefully placed in a soft-landing spot in our garden. Plus, I think we students could really benefit from spending some time outdoors after such a long winter! The timing offers a window of calm, and I will be sure not to waste it.

Finding Balance.

Humbly, I am reminded, everything cannot be entirely calm and gentle as I face an avenue of stress with the opening of enrollment for the next semester. It is as if even when I feel like I am catching a break, there is always something. As someone who is a dual-enrolled student, it has been challenging to create a class schedule that works for the programs that I am taking. It feels like I am trying to solve a puzzle.

Phase 2 of my naturopathic medicine studies is more different in structure than I had expected. The variables of clinic hours, lectures and requirements for each of the two programs make it hard to sit and build structure around. If there is a single mismatch, it can disrupt my entire schedule. On paper, creating a course schedule may appear to be straightforward, but it can be extremely complicated when dealing with the number of factors involved while also not fully knowing what my personal endeavors look like or fit in.

Finding Clarity.

For that reason, I want to thank my advisor, Dr. Nooshig Salvador, for helping me to see the clarity in my future. After meeting with her, she was able to explain the changes in the program and provide guidance on how to create a realistic class schedule. Her advice was helpful in removing a significant amount of pressure from my shoulders and reminded me that I do not have to navigate this process by myself. Her help has made an enormous difference in my ability to move forward!

This week, there has also been a significant amount of conversation among the students and faculty regarding the “Big Beautiful Bill” and its implications for our program. I enjoyed listening to the different opinions of students and faculty and considering what we can do today to prepare for tomorrow. At times like these, it reminds me that our education occurs in a much broader context than just our classroom walls. Our field of education includes many factors, including governmental policies and other external influences that shape our educational experiences. Staying informed about these external influences will allow me to prepare better for the road ahead.

Finding Peace.

As far as the world outside of our school goes, there have been a lot of big events occurring, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, this past month has been a very grounding experience for me due to my participation in Ramadan. It has allowed me to step away from the fast pace of life and reflect. On top of that, I feel like I have grown closer to my community during these trying times. I am reminded of the strength of our collective intentions, love and prayer. To anyone who may be celebrating: Eid Mubarak!

I see the silver lining more vividly this week. I intend to use this period as a transitional space. This point in the trimester usually feels slower, like a node and a pause and I would usually spend it treating it like one. This time, I will use this period to prepare more clearly for my future, to begin acting toward being outside with nature and to call in more of what I know to be true in love despite the outside narratives impact on our lives. I trust that all is working out in our favor.

The post Spring Has Sprung! appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.

After months of cold rain, gray skies and layers of clothing, even small changes in the weather seem refreshing.

More Daylight = More Balance

Additionally, the time change has allowed me to get out more during the evening hours, as there is now a bit more daylight available. I’ve taken advantage of this, and I go for longer walks than I normally do. When possible, I will also study outside. This change is small, but it makes my long study days much more balanced.

We are also heading into another series of exams, which means that we are returning to our routine of deep studying, reviewing and preparing. While that is happening, I find that being able to go outside for some fresh air or to go for a short walk between study sessions helps make all of this manageable.

In March, we are celebrating Women’s History Month, which feels meaningful in a field like this where so many traditions of healing and herbal knowledge have been carried forward by women. It’s something I’ve been reflecting on as we continue moving through the trimester and deepening our studies. As we continue to progress throughout the remainder of the trimester, and as we deepen our studies, may we move with reverence to the ancestors whose history keeping fuels the substance of our studies.

Ah, to be in the Garden Again!

On the Garden Club side of things, our seedlings are developing and it’s enjoyable to see their growth from week to week. Seeing the small beginnings grow into something larger makes the upcoming planting of the garden feel very close.

Soon, we will have the seedlings planted in the soil, where they will continue to grow and eventually become part of the living space we are creating for students to interact with the plants we are learning about.

Week 9 feels like a quiet transition. Spring is beginning to emerge from beneath the winter blanket, the garden is beginning to bloom and we are continuing to follow the academic rhythm of the trimester. It is busy; however, it feels stable, and that stability is making this the smoothest trimester I have had yet.

The post Celebrating Women’s History Month appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.

The Pursuit of Trivia…and Preparing for NPLEX.

One of the biggest updates I have is my joining the CUP team that will represent the school at a conference in a trivia-style question contest. I’ll be alongside some of the people who have been with me from Trimester One and a fabulous friend who pointed me in this direction. It feels meaningful to take this step in something like this.

On the other hand, I don’t always feel like I’m the best under pressure. Quick recall in front of a crowd is definitely not my strong suit. But this is another reason I look forward to studying well in advance of the NPLEX Part I. If anything, it’s motivating me to make a habit of reviewing material earlier and with purpose. However, preparing for this itself is a success, even if I feel nervous while giving an answer.

The World of Botanical Medicine.

I’ve also been feeling especially grateful for this school because of the relationships I’ve built with its professors, especially with Dr. Sorensen. She helped start and create the Garden Club and this past weekend she invited me to an heirloom seed swap at the Wheaton County Library. I hadn’t expected much prior to attending, but in the end, there were lots of tables filled with seeds, gardeners swapping stories and people enthusiastic about what they had planted.

We were able to get seeds for plants we’re currently covering in Botanical Medicine: Thymus vulgaris (thyme) and Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset). Thyme is commonly used for respiratory support in coughs and upper respiratory congestion by acting as an antimicrobial and expectorant (facilitating the removal of phlegm). Boneset is traditionally recommended for flu-like illnesses, especially if fever and achy muscles are present. It was nice to get a sense of something we learn in lecture that is physically tangible and can be held in one’s hand.

The flow of this trimester, I feel, can be attributed to the long winter in which we’ve been contained. It has invited me to be more present in each moment, which has strengthened my retention, my presence in the community and my focus on what’s before me, so that when I sit to reflect in writing, only then do I realize how far along I’ve come. I’m looking forward to what this second half brings!

Photo: Blog author Quijai Johnson and 911±¬ÁÏ faculty member Dr. Lorinda Sorensen

The post Tri Week 7 Already! appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.

Club Lunch

We recently had Club Lunch, and I tabled for Garden Club. I walked in with pure excitement and without holding expectations. It was nice to see that the intentionality of what I had planned reached the students well and the turnout honestly surprised me. By the end of the event, we had a hefty list of people interested in joining but my favorite part was watching the joy on people’s faces as they interacted with the offerings on the table. We set up a tea-building station so people could create their own blends and have a hot cup of tea to accompany them on their way out on the cold day. There’s something grounding about selecting herbs with purpose, learning about them and then actually drinking what you built. The exchange of knowledge was abundant, too, as students shared their own personal favorites and connections with some of the herbs.

In another section of the table, we created a space where students could plant and name their own pothos baby plant. I had some seedlings from a pothos plant that travelled with me here all the way from California and I thought it would be great to send off parts of her into this new state we call home now. What started as a simple propagation activity turned into conversations about root systems, drainage, light exposure and long-term care. I loved watching people take ownership of something living. It’s one thing to study plants in theory. It’s another to get your hands in soil and realize growth requires consistency, care and relationship.

Moving Past Winter

On a more academic note, early assessments are flooding in, and I’ve never felt so prepared and at ease. Studying in community hasn’t always been helpful for me but my relationship with that is being healed by my current study group. I appreciate the aspect of laughter and play we encourage in those spaces and the conversations we have in the pauses between reflecting on material. It holds the threads of both purpose and preparation that reminds me that the credential isn’t the main goal but a mere step toward the door of living in our truths and sharing our gifts of healing with communities who await our arrival. I think for the first time in a long time I’m being held accountable to always hold a balance in the energy field of being a student who is learning and a soul who is ordained to be a steward of healing.

Week 5 doesn’t quite feel like a milestone. It feels like we’re in the middle of building something certain alongside skills, community and confidence. Through the slowness of these last weeks of winter, I can feel the steady expansion. And through deep breaths, I take it all in.

The post More on the ND Student Experience appeared first on 911±¬ÁÏ.