Michelle, Year 4 Student Ambassador

Hi there! My name is Michelle, I am 36 years old and English.

Why did you choose to study at the ESO?

I lived locally to the ESO before I was a student here (you could say it was destiny!) but this wasn’t the main reason for choosing to study here. I found the breadth of the course content exciting and inspiring; with cranial, GOT and structural techniques combined it makes for a brilliantly holistic approach to treatment. I was (and still am) especially interested in the specialist Children’s, Women’s Health & Headache clinics at the teaching clinic. The location of the Boxley campus sealed the deal, to be able to study in such a beautiful setting, grounding myself whilst looking out to the horses frolicking in the fields is simply a joy.

Did you have any specific concerns before joining the ESO?

Before I enrolled I was worried about balancing school and family life as I have 2 young children (5 & 1 year old). During the open day everyone was very open & honest about the big commitment a course like this is in both time and energy, that it’s not for the faint hearted – and boy they were right! It takes a lot of extra time and commitment to get the most out of your studies but it’s both doable and worth it! I have finally learnt that it’s OK to ask for help when I need it, and as the course progressed I also got better at segmenting my time between study and family so that I was able to achieve quality time in each.

What do you enjoy most about studying at the ESO?

You become closely connected to the people who you study with and that friendship is unique. You will learn, laugh, shout and cry, stumble, succeed and soar with these superhumans and every day I am grateful for their love & support. Studying on this course has given me so much more than an M.Ost, the ESO is like a family and really encourage a sense of inclusion and community. It’s easy to get involved (Sports Day is THE BEST) and very flexible, so much so that I am a Student Ambassador, member of the Student Association & one of the first students to join the Board as a Student Trustee.

What are your aspirations once you’ve graduated?

When I graduate I hope to continue to support the ESO whilst I work locally to gain experience and put all that I am learning into practice. Ultimately I would love to work abroad for a few years, taking the opportunities that an internationally recognised qualification affords and opening up my family to new experiences and cultures whilst I pursue my dreams.