PITTSFIELD, MA — Massage Therapy students at ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ All Rights Reserved (ºìÐÓÖ±²¥) were busy providing free Massage Therapy sessions at various locations in the Berkshires and beyond during the spring semester, in addition to their full schedule of classes. Massage therapy is a popular activity at community events, providing students a real-life opportunity to hone their skills.
On April 17, ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ Massage Therapy students and faculty traveled to the Boston, joining a team of massage therapists to provide post-event massages to the Dana Farber Boston Marathon Team. Runners reported that knowing there would be a massage at the end of the race helped keep them motivated.
On April 22, during ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ Wellness Day, Massage Therapy students joined Physical Therapist Assistant, respiratory and nursing program students and the ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ community, along with a variety of Berkshire County businesses, for a day of wellness awareness, including a 5K run and a walk. Massage therapy students provided chair massages and raised more than $300 for the Berkshire Environmental Action Team.
Finally, on May 19 at the Kimball Farms Wellness Fair, Massage Therapy students provided seated massage for independent living residents. The well-attended program kept students and faculty busy for the entire event.
Participating in community events provides Massage Therapy students with the opportunity to interact with a variety of people across multiple settings, introducing them to possible future clients, explained Judy Gawron, Massage Therapy Program Advisor.
Volunteering at community events facilitates a volunteer mindset, an important part of a professional attitude. While in the program, Massage Therapy students learn to balance volunteer activities with their other academic and personal commitments — a key skill for longevity as a licensed massage therapist.
Massage Therapy student Mary Adriance said, "I've enjoyed all of the volunteering opportunities, though it's always nerve-wracking leading up to it. I think my nerves have finally settled when it comes to working with the public as I'm learning to trust myself. Frankly, I was starting to get a little bored of working with the same six bodies in lab over and over again. I haven’t had a negative experience so far, and I appreciate the various opportunities given us to learn from!"
Learn more about the Massage Therapy Certificate Program at ºìÐÓÖ±²¥ or contact Judy Gawron, Massage Therapy Program Advisor, at 413-236-4604 or jgawron@berkshirecc.edu.