We encourage all BCMT students to take advantage of this excellent and very affordable ($5 per session) service.

Anyway, Sean may or may not embrace a modeling career, but he is a shoe-in for a career in massage therapy . Yes, he’s got strong arms, but that’s not really what makes a great therapist.  Sean is a great hugger, a touchy-feely person, and he really, really, loves to help people and animals.  And he’s superfit, kind of scary fit. You know the type: kettle ball, bike rides straight up a canyon, protein shakes.  You’ll think I’m making this up, but Sean is also a tiger tamer – handler is probably the correct term. He has volunteered at a rescue in Colorado for years, and has a giant scar on his arm from a “love bite” to prove it.

So I convinced Sean to take a two-day basic Swedish massage class,  that’s offered several times at year at BCMT, to see if massage really did appeal to him. We took the class together, and I can honestly say Sean’s got massage chops. His touch is confident, firm (a bit too firm on my calves, but I felt great later), and he holds a very caring, calm space.

So how does this romance story end: did Sean fall in love with massage therapy? Yes and no. He’s still exploring career options, maybe even pursuing a nursing degree. I really hope he chooses massage. He’d love it, and he would be such a great asset to the community. The most important thing is he’s determined to keep doing work that he’s passionate about. Thinking massage might be a passion for you? The next intro class is July 17-18. And if you take it with a friend–tiger tamer or not–you’ll also get a nice discount.

Have you always wanted to go to massage-therapy school, but didn’t think you could afford it? Is your dream of becoming a massage therapist clouded by the thoughts, “How will I pay for school? Will I qualify for financial aid? Is my credit good enough?” These are great questions, but don’t worry! Almost everyone is eligible for financial aid regardless of one’s credit history, income, marital status or filing of a tax return.

Here are the facts about funding your massage-therapy education—and the three most important steps for how to get started with your financial aid research.

Step 1-–Verify that the massage school you are looking at is accredited. View and search the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions.

Step 2-–Use the Federal Student Aid forecaster online tool (called the FAFSA4caster) to learn about the financial aid process and get an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid. With this tool, you can answer the questions, “What is federal student aid? Who qualifies? How do you apply?”

With the FAFSA4caster you can:
• Calculate your eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants
• Reduce the time it will take to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the qualifying form for all federal student financial aid

Step 3-–Find out if you qualify for financial aid. Submit a FAFSA. To start the FAFSA process, visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and apply as early as possible beginning Jan. 1 of each year. Schools and states also have their own deadlines, so be sure to contact the school you are interested in for exact deadline dates. (NOTE: The first “F” in FAFSA stands for “Free” and it has a “.gov” Web address. If you go to www.FAFSA.com, you can access the information, but will be charged a fee.

Most financial aid packages offered by massage-therapy schools include various types of aid, including:
• Scholarships or grants (money that does not need to be paid back)
• Loans (money that is paid back, usually at lower interest rates than other types of loans)
• Work-study (a job on campus)

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, provides financial assistance for individuals wanting to pursue education beyond high school. Federal Student Aid administers the federal student financial assistance programs, authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. In 2006 alone, Federal Student Aid provided approximately $80 billion in new aid to nearly 10 million postsecondary students and their families.

Accredited massage therapy schools may offer the following financial aid:
• Need-based grants for students who have not earned a degree (associate’s, bachelor’s, etc.)
• Federal Student Aid
• Academic Competitiveness Grant
• Pell Grants
• Stafford Subsidized Loans
• Stafford Unsubsidized Loans
• PLUS Loans (Loans for parents of dependent students)
• In-house Financing
• Access to Scholarships

In addition, students may also qualify for:
• Veterans Administration benefits: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Vocational Rehabilitation funds: Vocational Rehabilitation State Offices
• Workforce Investment Act (formerly Job Training Partnership Act) programs: U.S. Department of Labor—Employment & Training Administration

Other sources of financial aid include state loans and grants, depending on the student’s state of residence. Your employer may also be a source of financial aid. Individual employers frequently offer education funds for employees or for retraining of employees.

Taking the time to research your financial aid options could open the doors to massage school. Believe in yourself, and make your dream of going to massage-therapy school happen.

It never ceases to amaze me the gratitude I feel for human kind after the BB and that is because of all of you who participate. Some of you come year after year!!  Please recognize your greatness!  The BB went off without a hitch this year and it was incredible to see all of your hard work and energy.  I thank each of you from the depths of my heart for your willingness and passion to touch so many lives with this gift called massage and teaching/supervising students!  You are wonderful!

Many Blessings,

Aspen, Service Learning Manager

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrdCU3aq_Qc

And, just for voting or nominating BCMT, we will be registered and eligible to win $100 Massage Warehouse gift certificates, products from our growing list of Professional Product Partners and free access to the World Massage Conference Online, the largest massage education event in the world!

We can’t win without your help! Schools! Nominate Yourselves. Students and Alumni! Nominate and vote for your school at www.massagetoday.com/msm.

Sponsored by Massage Warehouse, Massage Today and the World Massage Conference, this event is made possible through the generous donations of our Professional Product Partners – and all from the desire to educate massage and bodywork professionals on the need to use only Professional Grade Products and Equipment in our schools and in our practices.

Massage Today

This newsletter was sent from MPA Media, 5406 Bolsa Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92649.

There is still space in the following electives:  reflexology, postpartum, Tail of the Tiger (shiatsu) and Thai massage. Contact Judy Stattine (jstattine@bcmt.org) to register.

Service Learning Opportunity: Avista Adventist Hospital

Work with patients in the therapy center and/or in the main hospital on the medical/surgery, ICU, cardiac and OB floors.  Students may also provide chair massage in the lobby to families, or work on hospital staff.
Where:  80 Health Park Drive Ste 50, Louisville, CO, 80027
Supervisor:    Carrie Mirfield: 303-673-1240 (hospital)

Peer Tutoring

A list of BCMT students ready and able to help you is posted on various bulletin boards around the school. Be sure to take advantage of this great BCMT benefit.

Map of Bali

For most of us, the word “Bali”  conjures up visions of paradise.  The last paradise, the dawning of the world, and the center of the universe are yet more names for this beautiful tropical island inhabited by artistic people who have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies. BCMT’s very own Becky Little has just returned from Bali (via Brisbane), and we look forward to hearing her stories.

Becky made her way to Bali via a 3-month sojourn in Brisbane, Australia. While the focus of her stay was to help her daughter set up a bookkeeping system for her interior design company, she took time out to expand her massage training. She made the wise choice to take advantage of cheap, direct flights from Brisbane to explore Bali’s ancient tradition of massage. Over a thousand years ago, merchant ships regularly travelled through modern day Indonesia. Hindus from India brought healing massage techniques and oil massage as well as herbal treatments. Buddhists from China brought acupressure techniques.

During her stay in Bali, Becky visited two of Bali’s most famous villages:  Sanur and Ubud.  Ubud is located inland, and is known for its fine arts, dance and music; while Sanur is a coastal village famous for its black sand beaches. Keep a look out for future blogs from Becky about what she studied, and how she’s incorporating it into her private massage therapy practice in Boulder. Oh, and I almost forgot: Happy Birthday Becky.–Carol Brunelli

Meet and greet BCMT’s newest students at the Welcome Party, tomorrow (April 16) @ 1pm in room 101.

Body Worlds Field Trip

Take an eye-opening journey through the inner workings of the human body…” On Thursday, April 29th, at 6:00pm, students may join BCMT faculty for a group tour of the “Body Worlds” exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Ticket cost is $13  for BCMT students with ID and $15 for faculty. Pre-pay with the Front Desk by Monday, April 26th.

Request for Donation of Laptop Computer

BCMT is seeking the donation of a laptop computer to use in the classroom. Contact IT Manager, Michael Wang (mwang@bcmt.org) to donate.  The Boulder College of Massage Therapy is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organizations. Donations are tax deductible.

Student Tutors

A list of students who are willing and available to tutor is posted on various boards around the school. Be sure to take advantage of this great BCMT benefit – free of charge!

Reiki Share Group @ BCMT

BCMT launched its monthly Reiki Share Group  on January 13, World Peace Meditation day. Since then,  it has grown to include  BCMT alumni, students, and Reiki practitioners in the community. Participants give and receive from each other in a supportive and tranquil setting at the College.

The next gathering is April 14th from 6 – 9  pm. Anyone with Reiki experience can come and join in giving and receiving Reiki in a spectacular environment of healing.  Participants should wear comfortable clothing, and bring water. For more information, contact Dona Hittinger: dhittinger@bcmt.org.

Student Welcome Party

The Welcome Party for  new students will be Friday, April 16, 1:00pm in room 101. Join the fun and welcome the BCMT newcomers.

Staying Healthy

The 9 News Health Fair is going on in April.  This is a fantastic opportunity to get a variety of health screens for a very low cost.  There are skin cancer screenings, blood pressure, blood work, and bone density tests.  A lot of us don’t have health insurance, especially when we are students, so check this out.  Even if you are a healthy 25-year old, knowledge is power and knowing your health risks increase your chances of improving your life and longevity now!

On 4/19 and 4/20 the Health Fair is offered just down the street, at Covidien (5920 Longbow Drive) from 7 a.m. until noon.   Check the 9 News website for more details.  It’s always a good time to learn about your health!

Student Council News

Help celebrate student and faculty April birthdays in the student lounge on Friday!  Treats provided by BCMT Student Council.

If you have any suggestions, questions or comments regarding BCMT on-campus activities, fundraisers, etc., drop us a note in the suggestion envelope attached to the activities bulletin board.  We are working on an on-campus event this quarter and would appreciate any fresh, new ideas.

The next Student Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday April 14 @ 8:15 am in the faculty conference room. New reps are encouraged to attend!  Please come to the meeting with fun ideas.  We look forward to seeing everyone again!