Becoming an Acupuncturist and Herbalist

Christine had wanted to change careers for many years, but encountered many barriers, namely financial, that made it difficult to do.  She felt grateful every day that she could now dedicate herself to a field that she loved.  While most women in this world, and even in this country, do not have the luxury to indulge in their life passions, she, a 37-year old mother of four, spent every day learning and advancing her skills.  She was indebted to those who have so generously donated to this fund.  She hoped that one day she would be able to make a difference in the lives of others, in the same way that this grant has made a difference in hers.

Christine will spend this fiscal year continuing to study Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine.  She hopes to develop her skills as a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine during this time in preparation for starting a private practice.

She will participate in extensive clinical training in which she will assist and learn from professional Acupuncturists and Herbalists.  She will then treat patients under the guidance of clinical supervisors.

Christine hopes to establish a successful acupuncture and herbal medicine practice within that time frame.

As an Acupuncturist and Herbalist, she plans to specialize in women’s and children’s health.  This includes treating infertility and menstrual problems as well as emotional issues such as anxiety and depression. Chinese medicine shows very good results for a variety of mental health issues and can be a good alternative to pharmaceutical drugs and without the side effects, or can be used in conjunction with prescription medications and counseling.  She plans to offer community acupuncture on certain days, in which patients are treated in a group setting.  This will allow her to lower fees, so that women and girls of all financial means will have access to treatment.  Chinese herbal medicine also shows excellent results for a wide variety of problems affecting children.  This includes common ailments such as coughs and rashes, to uncommon ailments, and emotional issues such as anxiety and hyperactivity

On a more systemic level, she has been involved politically for many years, promoting female candidates, and working on local issues that affect women, such as petitioning against cuts to day care subsidies for working women, and being involved in organizations that advance women.

Her goal within the next 3-5 years is to establish a successful Acupuncture and Herbal medicine practice.

Finding Funding

Christine found the AAUW while searching on the internet for scholarships, and she phoned the office to inquire about the Career Development Grant.

She found it to be pretty straightforward and was apprehensive about the fee that was required in order to apply because, as a student with four children, her budget was tight.

Christine would suggest keeping the required fee, but reducing it.  Before applying for the AAUW grant, she had applied to numerous other scholarships without success, despite the fact that she had outstanding grades from a top university as an undergraduate, had been named student of the year, and had many other accomplishments.  When she completed the AAUW scholarship and arrived at the section where they required a fee, she considered not completing the application, thinking that it would likely be wasted money.  Fortunately for her she decided to proceed.  She thought that the fee was good in that it ensured that only serious students apply, but perhaps should be reduced to be more affordable to women who clearly have financial need.

Whether it is AAUW or other organizations, advancing women was a top priority to her.  Despite her many obligations, having four children and going to school full time, she made time for important things, and had always been involved locally.   She thought when she graduates, she would be able to devote even more time to the organizations that make a difference.