Amy Hogan

Fall 2024. Pacific College of Health and Science. San Diego, CA

The closer I get to earning my certification in Massage Therapy and Asian Bodywork, the more it feels like I am stepping into my true calling. Growing up in Japan, in a family deeply rooted in holistic healing, I was greatly influenced by my grandfather and uncle, who were Eastern medicine herbal pharmacists, and my aunt, a massage therapist and aromatherapy business owner. These early experiences planted the seeds of my understanding of healing, but it wasn’t until I spent two and a half years living in Japan in my early twenties that I truly reconnected with this part of my heritage. During that time, I felt unfulfilled and disconnected in my career, uncertain of how to create meaningful impact in the world. Seeking solace, I often visited my aunt, whose calming presence and compassion reignited my desire to pursue a path in the healing arts. I’ve always been sensitive to touch and energy, often feeling subtle things others might overlook, but for years I viewed this sensitivity as a burden rather than a gift. Through my aunt’s encouragement to ground and channel this energy, I discovered that massage therapy is the perfect avenue for me to embrace and harness this ability. It has allowed me to connect with others in profound and meaningful ways, helping them find balance, relief, and healing, just as it brings healing and fulfillment to me as a practitioner. Receiving this scholarship will ease the financial burden of tuition and help me to learn how to support others in their journey toward healing and self-empowerment through the power of healing touch. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as it brings me one step closer to building a career that is not only meaningful but truly aligned with my heart and soul.