Dear Scholarship Application Review Committee, My name is Alexis Sarabia, and what follows are some of my reasons for choosing to study the holistic discipline of massage therapy, particularly in the context of palliative and hospice care. In today's society, where the importance of holistic well-being is increasingly being recognized, the role of massage therapy in specialized healthcare settings is more crucial than ever. An individual practitioner in this field contributes not only to the relief of others’ physical symptoms but also to the broader goal of fostering comfort, connection, and a sense of peace. And as an aspiring massage therapist, I recognize that touch, when applied with skill and empathy, can be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation, easing pain, and fostering a sense of well-being, making it a particularly meaningful career choice for me. I would like to work in the holistic field as it reflects a personal commitment and lifelong goal I have had to contribute in the areas of compassionate healing, enhancing quality of life, providing emotional support, and respecting the dignity of individuals facing serious illnesses. The holistic aspect of massage therapy goes beyond addressing physical symptoms, encompassing the emotional and spiritual dimensions of a person's experience. And I believe the non-invasive nature of massage therapy is crucial to today’s society due to how over-medicated and invasive Western medicine has become. As a single mother with a myriad of health conditions, I have personally benefited from holistic, integrative care in ways that other approaches have unfortunately failed to adequately meet my needs. Furthermore, having had volunteered most of my adult life in diverse settings, I have observed that we live in a world where we believe we are so connected yet we really are so disconnected. I have seen that the virtual spaces that we have created are unable to replace the physical interaction that we truly need; this is why massage therapy today is so vital. Through my personal experience in the holistic field, especially in palliative and hospice care, I have found that professional massage therapy serves as a conduit for facilitating connection and preserving the dignity of individuals facing the end of life. As individuals in these settings often face physical vulnerabilities and sensitivities, the gentle touch of a skilled massage therapist can provide relief without exacerbating existing discomfort. The decision to study massage therapy in this context is, therefore, a conscious choice to offer therapeutic interventions that respect the unique needs and limitations of patients in palliative and hospice care. Through touch and presence, as a practitioner, I can create moments of profound connection, acknowledging the humanity and individuality of each person. This aspect of the profession adds profound depth and meaning for me and is a key driver for why I am choosing to study professional massage therapy, particularly in the context of palliative and hospice care. As a busy mother and native of San Diego, this scholarship would greatly help me to tend to my existing obligations while simultaneously prioritizing my needs to advance in my professional life. Thank you for taking the time to review my application and I look forward to joining the program soon. Best, Alexis Sarabia