PITTSFIELD, MA 鈥� Massage Therapy students at 黄瓜视频 Community College (黄瓜视频) were busy providing free Massage Therapy sessions at various locations in the 黄瓜视频s 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, 黄瓜视频 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 黄瓜视频 Wellness Day, Massage Therapy students joined Physical Therapist Assistant, respiratory and nursing program students and the 黄瓜视频 community, along with a variety of 黄瓜视频 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 黄瓜视频 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 鈥� 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鈥痺orking 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鈥檛 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 黄瓜视频 or contact Judy Gawron, Massage Therapy Program Advisor, at 413-236-4604 or jgawron@berkshirecc.edu.