By Kristen Lutz
Communications Program Chair
I had the pleasure of sitting down with our 2019 Dianne Polseno Scholarship 2nd Place Winner, Jean Risk, to get to know a little more about how this award will affect her and her future practice. Jeanne was the recipient of $500 and a free year of AMTA-MA membership. Did you know we have $1,000 and $500 (PLUS A YEAR OF FREE AMTA MEMBERSHIP!) just waiting for some brilliant and talented souls to take home each year? Here's what Jean had to say about how the scholarship will make an impact on her career.
Q. How did you hear about the Dianne Polseno Scholarship?
A. My instructor in Advanced Techniques encouraged my class to apply for the AMTA Dianne Polseno Scholarship. She told us about Dianne's career and what an amazing person she was. Dianne Polseno was her mentor and a great teacher who was passionate about the profession.
Q. Where are you attending school and do you have a favorite class/area of study?
A. I will graduate from The Massage School in Easthampton at the end of April. The required 200 hours in student clinic has given me the opportunity to develop my techniques and practice acquired skills on people of different ages, builds, and health conditions. Also, when studying Anatomy & Physiology and Pathology, I found it most interesting and helpful when we reviewed case studies.
Q. What will be the first thing you do with your Scholarship Award and how will the award make an impact on your massage therapy practice?
A. I hope to serve and support cancer patients and their caregivers using my skills as a Licensed Massage Therapist. I have enrolled in specialized training in oncology massage with Tracy Walton & Associates so that I can then provide the desperately needed care that this population deserves. The scholarship award will help defray the cost of the training. Thank you!
Q. What would you like to say to next year's applicants?
A. The most rewarding part of the application process was, for me, the requirement to interview two massage therapists. It was very inspiring to meet and talk with individuals who shared their path to success. You can benefit from the shared wisdom, perspective, and experience of others. I found their passion and love for the profession to be contagious!
Q. Why is it important for people to contribute to the Dianne Polseno Scholarship Fund?
A. By contributing to this scholarship fund, people choose to support and encourage massage therapy students who are excited to begin a career where one can impact others' well-being. It is important to recognize and honor Dianne Polseno, whose career exemplified her love of and commitment to the advancement of the Massage Therapy profession. In this way, Dianne continues to be an example and role model to others.