First off, thank you! Thank you for working hard to not only open a massage school in Traverse City, but for your efforts to secure financial aid for those of us who thought this type of program might be out of reach. My journey with massage begins with a heartbreaking story. Many years ago, my partner's sister was diagnosed with ALS at an appallingly young age. We witnessed a bright freelance writer, political spitfire and feminist powerhouse deteriorate before our eyes. There was nothing that could be done and the pain was undeniable. Muscle cramps, stiffness, and joint aches slowly took over her body. Within months, what started as a tingle in her feet, left her bed ridden, and eventually led to her untimely death. The only thing that would alleviate the pain was massage. I would rub her feet and legs almost daily, moving away the stiffness and cramping for moments of relief. But those moments of relief for her were moments of realization for me. A discovery of how massage is not only a physical intimacy, but an emotional one. These moments of connection brought us closer than we had ever been before her illness. This was my first immensely impactful experience with the power of body work. I think back to all my relationships with massage therapists over the 20 years I've been back in Northern Michigan. I think about their vulnerability inviting strangers into their space, holding room for their physical and, many times, emotional pain. At times my massage appointments were the rare moments I had a safe place to breathe, relax and let go. The immediate trust given from both sides is both impressive and powerful. It is a community that I would be proud to be a part of. I want to have a safe place for those in need, to have the tools to help and heal, to be vulnerable so others can too. I think this has always been my goal. To carve out a profession that focuses on kindness, understanding, care, tenderness to ease pain. Massage therapy is a culmination of all of these. 2024 was a year of personal transition and growth. I left a toxic job and a long-term toxic relationship and began working in adult special education. Never before have I worked in an environment of such caring and empathetic people, where compassion is first nature. I witness daily the impact these traits have on our students. A listening ear and a gentle touch can calm often explosive behaviors. And I see first hand how massage and body work relieve ailing bodies. With recent budget cuts and the not-so-livable-wage I have been taking stock. Dialing in what I want my future to look like, both professionally and personally. Recently, I had a long conversation with my friend about therapeutic massage schools and what her journey entailed. Not one day later I saw your post announcing the scholarship opportunity and felt the nudge of possibility. The possibility to forge my own path, support myself and contribute to the well-being of others in a field I have always been drawn to. Upon completion of the SOMA program, I would continue my work in special education and practice body work part-time, sharing an office space with my afore-mentioned friend who has an established practice. Ultimately I want to extend discounted rates to teachers and nurses, and to the disabled and under-privileged in our community who could greatly benefit from, but cannot afford body work. Now I ask for help. I cannot afford this program on my own. Recently single, with the cost of living growing exponentially, my monthly costs leave little room for an expense of this size. Obviously receiving the full tuition scholarship would eliminate all financial stress. However, if I lean out my life and a payment plan is possible, I could afford half of the tuition. It is difficult for me to come here and plead my case. To be vulnerable and ask you to trust me with such a significant financial investment. But please know this – I am a committed person and a hard worker. If you see fit to award me one of your scholarships, I will not take it for granted. This would be a life changing opportunity. Thank you so much for your consideration, Breanne Russell