This is not the first time I've considered making a career change to massage therapy, but my biggest barrier is how to pay for the schooling without taking onexcessive debt. I have wanted to make a change and know that my strenghts lie in my abilities to make everyone feel welcome and at-ease, feel seen and heard, and have a sense of belonging. I have been a single mother to two sons for the past 11 years and a survivor of domestic violence. I understand how trauma lives in a body and takes a toll in the form of chronic pain, restless legs, and aches. I am drawn to the field of massage therapy to be able to provide a safe place for people to release the stress, tension, and trauma they are carrying and find some healing along their own journey. This work, helping bodies to heal, is everything to me. I love learning and have a background in Psychology & Biology. I want to build long-term relationships with clients, so that massages are not a luxury accessible only to a few, but accessible- as a means of body and mind maintenance. I want to create a safe-space where women can talk, be nurtured, and strengthened.Providing trauma-informed massage, opportunites to share stories, and connect with community are some of the ways I have healed and want others to experience the same. There is a level of vulnerability when receiving a massage- especially when bodies may have been harmed or shamed. I beleive that I can help women begin to look at therir bodies and experience through a new lens that offers forgivness and acceptance.Perhaps just trusting one person can help a woman reach out to others and work on the process of discovering a renewed sense of wholeness and hope. It is my own exerience that when are bodies are strong, we have more to pour out to others around us. I hope that my services would always feel personal and restorative. My seed-like vision today is to serve women who would not normally come into a high-end day spa. I've considered having a studio in a tiny house and providing workshops that deal with trauma, healing, nutrition, and community engagement. I'm thinking that I would provide a menu of services that would be accessible to a range of clients. Although I work full-time, I am not able to afford the full-tuition. Honestly, covering my essentials is what I do. There has not been space for any extras during the past 11 years, However, I do believe in contributing my part and could do a portion of the $11,000. A half-scholarship would be ideal and greatly appreciated. I am excited and eager for the opportunity to learn more about becoming a massage therapist through the Soma Institute. I think the timing of finding this school and opportunity is perfect and definitely the next step I have been search for. I would welcome the oppportunity for this experience! Thank you for considering my application! Best, Lesley