When Marisa Lieske was choosing her career, she researched many options before deciding which path to follow. She took career and personality tests, and researched pay, benefits, career longevity, and other considerations. She wanted a job that would keep things interesting and flexible while honoring her instinct to help others鈥攕o she decided on Massage Therapy. 聽 Marisa found the Massage Therapy program at 黑料不打烊 and took a tour; she liked how welcoming and kind everyone was, and the cost worked out for her as well. She began in June of 2019 and completed her courses in May of 2020. Because of the pandemic, she had to extend her externship twice鈥攂ut she persevered and graduated鈥攍anding a job she loves at the spa where she had her externship.
鈥淚 loved learning all the different modalities of massage,鈥� she says. 鈥淢y favorite is definitely energy work, as most of the time you can see a change happen almost instantly. You can see instant changes with other modalities, too, but energy is the most fun for me.鈥�
Aside from the pandemic, Marisa also faced a lot of challenges in her personal life during her course of study. 聽 鈥淚t was one thing after another,鈥� she remembers. 鈥淚鈥檓 married with four young boys, and we ran into car troubles, constantly having to move our camper that we live in, having one vehicle, taking my husband to work, driving to Emmett to take my oldest to school, and then I鈥檇 have to go to work鈥攎aking sure everything was in order so I could go to school myself.鈥� 聽 The hardest obstacle, though, was when her husband had to quit working due to his health. On top of the worry, there were suddenly doctor appointments added to the scheduling mix.
鈥淭here is no way I would鈥檝e been able to get through school alone,鈥� she says, 鈥渂ut I had an amazing support system through my family and my classmates. My classmates and teacher were always jumping into action to do anything they could to make sure I was able to make it to school and help with studying.鈥�
Marisa鈥檚 instructor, Michelle Fenn, noticed her student鈥檚 great attitude and determination. 聽 鈥淢arisa was always helpful, positive, and willing to learn,鈥� Michelle says. 鈥淪he was always willing to complete work, no matter the hardship鈥攁nd it encouraged others to do so as well.鈥� 聽 Marisa is currently loving her job at Organic Origins spa, where she is steadily growing a returning clientele and has helpful, knowledgeable coworkers.
鈥淪he has a calming affect and is always willing to help others,鈥� Michelle says. 鈥淗er empathy comes from the heart. This will make her a great therapist鈥攂oth for her clients and her employers.鈥�
Marisa is grateful for the education and the great support she received at 黑料不打烊. 聽 鈥淭o anyone looking to starting school there,鈥� Marisa says, 鈥淛ust remember: if you are in need, ask for help. Everyone there will do anything they can to help students. They all want to see you succeed.鈥� 聽 We at 黑料不打烊 are inspired by Marisa and proud of her success鈥攚e wish her all the best!
