Finding Herbalism
Cecelia has been interested in pursuing her passion for healing others since she was a teenager. After a great deal of loss, personal triumph, and soul-searching, Cecelia made the decision to enroll in the Diploma in Herbal Studies - Master Herbalist Program with ACHS in the Fall of 2023. Cecelia walked down her own path of healing after addiction recovery in 2015. Cecelia went through a local recovery program, transitioned to sober housing, and focused on her own health and well-being for the last eight years, which sparked an interest in using integrative health for herself and her family. She has now dedicated her life to sobriety, health, and helping others.
After earning an Associate's Degree, Cecelia initially set her sights on becoming a Naturopathic Physician, driven by her desire to heal others and make a positive impact in the world. However, life took an unexpected turn when she tragically lost her mother in March of 2022. Grief-stricken and filled with a sense of uncertainty, Cecelia realized that she needed to take a step back and reassess her path.
With a deep longing to find her true calling, Cecelia delved into extensive research, exploring various schools that offered holistic health programs. Through her exploration, she discovered the captivating world of herbalism, which resonated deeply with her values and aspirations. The more she learned about the power of plants and their ability to promote healing, the more she became convinced that herbalism was the perfect path for her.
In her quest to find the ideal institution to further her herbalism education, Cecelia stumbled upon the American Herbalists Guild, a professional herbal organization that led her to ACHS. Being an accredited institution and offering of a comprehensive Master Herbalist Program, ACHS stood out as the best choice to nurture Cecelia's growth and align with her ambitions.
Bridging the Gap with the ACHS Adult Scholarship
Cecelia expresses her heartfelt gratitude for being awarded the ACHS Adult Scholarship, a recognition that has brought her both relief and hope. As a dedicated individual, Cecelia works tirelessly to support herself financially, juggling two jobs that require around 13 hours of her time each week. She takes great pride in her ability to manage her finances responsibly, always striving to ensure that she can pursue her dreams of a fulfilling career in herbal medicine without accumulating excessive debt.
The ACHS Adult Scholarship holds a special place in Cecelia's heart as it serves as a lifeline, allowing her to bridge the financial gap that grants alone cannot cover. With the scholarship's support, she can now redirect the funds she had saved for college towards upcoming semesters and the future. This newfound financial freedom not only eases her immediate financial burden but also provides her with the means to invest in her education and personal growth in the long run.
Cecelia's gratitude extends beyond the financial aspect of the scholarship. She recognizes the immense opportunity it represents, as it enables her to continue her studies and pursue her passion for herbal medicine with unwavering dedication. The ACHS Adult Scholarship serves as a testament to Cecelia's commitment and resilience, allowing her to fully immerse herself in her education without worrying about the financial strain.
With this newfound support, Cecelia is more determined than ever to excel in her herbal medicine program and make a meaningful impact in the field. She understands the importance of gaining practical experience, which is why she has already taken steps to carve out a professional path within the holistic health community. Currently working at a small Integrative Health Clinic, Cecelia is fortunate to have the opportunity to be mentored by the clinic's Acupuncturist, ensuring she receives expert guidance and hands-on experience.
Cecelia's Future Aspirations
Cecelia takes her education and career in the field seriously and has already started carving a professional path within the holistic health community. She currently works for a small Integrative Health Clinic and has the opportunity to be mentored by the Acupuncturist who owns the clinic after she completes her program. Cecelia plans to gain her clinical hours so that she can apply to become a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild after graduating. She would like to open her own consulting business in the future, possibly offering traveling consulting so that she can see clients all over the country. She is putting her plans into practice early and is excited to see what the future will bring.
Her advice to others pursuing their holistic health education is, "It's when you feel like giving up that you should listen to your inner child. They'll tell you how cool you are and how far you have come from that little person you were when you were not sure where to go. Don't give up on your dreams, younger you is incredibly proud of you, and so am I.”
We look forward to seeing where Cecelia's future takes her in the Herbal Medicine field.
About ACHS Scholarship Recipient Cecelia Reyes
Programs Enrolled at ACHS by Cecelia Reyes
This article is for informational purposes only. Please contact ACHS Admissions at admissions@achs.edu or 800-487-8839 for additional information and to apply for admission. Graduation from any ACHS program does not confer a license to practice medicine. ACHS graduates do not claim to treat, diagnose, cure, or prescribe. Please note that professional success is achieved by a number of factors beyond education and experience, including soft skills, work ethic, integrity, and other skills that may not be developed through education and training alone. Not all graduates will achieve the career outcomes provided as examples in this article and other ACHS marketing materials.
