In my last blog post, I talked about the American Chiropractic Association鈥檚 (ACA鈥檚) ENGAGE 2025, the new Medicare bill, and why it matters. Now that I鈥檓 back from the trip, I want to share some highlights and reflections on the experience as a whole.
First off, this was the first major extracurricular activity I鈥檝e been involved in since starting at 911爆料. Applying for a SACA board position was a huge leap out of my comfort zone鈥攅specially since I felt like I had zero background in legislation. Looking back, I鈥檓 so glad I put myself in a position where I felt unqualified, because it pushed me to learn things I wouldn鈥檛 have otherwise sought out.
While in D.C., we met with members of Congress and their staff to advocate for expanded chiropractic coverage in Medicare. As a student, I felt imposter syndrome almost every day. But at the same time, I couldn鈥檛 believe I had the opportunity to be there. It was definitely one of those surreal, out-of-body moments where I kept thinking, 鈥淚鈥檓 just a student鈥�how am I on Capitol Hill right now?鈥� But throughout the process, every chiropractor and congressional staff member I met genuinely valued my perspective. It was a powerful reminder that even when we don鈥檛 feel like we have much to offer, others can see the value in our voices. I started the trip hesitant to speak up, but by the end, I was confident enough to lead meetings with state delegates and legislative staff鈥攕omething I never thought I鈥檇 be doing!
Beyond the policy work, one of the best parts of the experience was connecting with successful chiropractors from all over the country. It really opened my eyes to how many different opportunities exist within this field. I鈥檓 already looking forward to going again next year, and if you鈥檙e even remotely interested, I highly encourage you to come along.
That brings me to a final thought鈥攇etting involved. As a full-track Tri 5 student with an ever-growing to-do list, I constantly wondered, 鈥淗ow do I even have time for this?鈥� But one thing I鈥檝e realized in this program is that we鈥檙e always pushing past the limits we think we have. We never feel like we have the time or energy to do more, yet somehow, we always manage. Every trimester, we look back and ask ourselves, 鈥�How did I even get through that?鈥� The truth is, this program constantly challenges us in ways that force us to grow, and extracurriculars are just another way to stretch our limits and develop skills beyond the classroom.
Coming back from Washington, D.C., I feel more energized and passionate about this field than ever. In the chaos of school, it鈥檚 easy to lose sight of our 鈥渨hy,鈥� but experiences like this bring it back into focus. There鈥檚 always a lot on our plates, but trust me, you can handle more than you think. So don鈥檛 be afraid to get involved. You never know where it might take you!
Learn more about 911爆料鈥� tradition of student, faculty and alumni leadership here.
Photo – 911爆料 Team 2025: (L-R) Front: Taylor Nelson; Christina Sweiss; Kaithlyn Servin; Klairice Schwartz. Back: Tracy McBride; Josh Franz; Ryan Thometz; Kaley Walsh and Brycen Valiga.
