Support Rou's Journey to Become a Massage Therapist

Hello community, friends, and people I haven't met yet. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story and learn why I'm reaching out.

My name is Rou, you might recognize me from your favorite local coffee shop. I've been a resident of Ashland, Oregon for about a year now and have cherished getting to know this town and the community it holds.

I've known from a young age that creating sacred space for others to heal themselves through therapeutic touch was my calling...

Growing up I remember feeling deeply deprived of love and affection.

My foundational memories of touch came in the form of violence.

Thankfully I had safe spaces that became available to me.

A favorite safe haven of mine was out in the fields of my Godmother's farm.

On a day well spent outside, my godmother Livy came in feeling fatigued and asked if I would rub her back. I reluctantly agreed, but remember feeling uncomfortable in a number of ways because touch of that kind was so foreign compared to my prior life experience. I pushed through my discomforts however and gave the massage.

Looking back now, I can see how impactful this moment was to my healing process. Providing nurturing touch on someone I cared for, reminded me that there is more to life than violence and anger. This was my spark in the dark towards wholeness.

It turned out I had a natural way with my hands, which eventually led me to earning my first dollars through massaging the women in my life.

So community, I'm opening up and reaching out to ask for assistance if the ability is there~ & maybe you take comfort in knowing that the intention is to return my appreciation of your support back into the community of Ashland and beyond.

My goal is to attend Ashland Institute of Massage therapy training program and become a licensed Massage Therapist.

This is a private school that does not offer financial aid of any sort.

The total cost of tuition for AIM is $16,000.

Students are required to pay a $3,000 down payment upfront.

So far I’ve been accepted for a scholarship that will cover the down payment cost.

I plan to continue working while in school to cover what I can towards monthly payments.

Payments towards tuition are required while attending classes which makes things a bit difficult for me to swing as a single mom. Any support received here would go directly towards making those tuition payments

~The program is ten months long in total, starting in September of 2024 & ending July of 2025~

Receiving financial support towards my tuition would be life changing for me, my family's lineage, and my community.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story and consider me along the way!