On a whim, I decided to take Nutrition 101 Summer quarter of 2024 with a coworker. As a college employee, I get reduced tuition and the program I work for slows down a bit for the summer so I had some extra time and since my kids were grown and gone, I was looking for something healthy and positive to fill my time.
After Nutrition 101, I enrolled in yoga and Pilates classes, then decided why not pursue my Health Coach Certificate. After reviewing all of the programs related to health and fitness on campus, I decided to add the Group Fitness Instructor and Fitness Specialist Certificates as well. Unfortunately, the Fitness Specialist is not an option any longer, however, the college has added a Personal Trainer Certificate so I will be adding that tool.
What started as a way to fill my summer has grown into a genuine passion for health and wellness and has allowed for some important life changes.
In January 2026, my husband suffered from a stroke and was hospitalized. After all the testing, we discovered he had several smaller strokes leading up to that day. He underwent surgery to address blockages in his carotid artery and the experience was a wake-up call for both of us. We realized that we needed to make significant changes to our health and lifestyle.
The knowledge I gained through my classes at LCC became an incredible resource during this time. We began making meaningful changes to our nutrition, fitness and overall mental and physical well-being. Since starting that first Nutrition 101 class, I have lost more than 65 pounds. I still have goals to reach but I am proud of how far I’ve come and grateful for the knowledge that has helped guide me along the way.
This journey has taught me that positive change doesn’t have to happen all at once. Sometimes, it begins with one class, one decision or one small step in a new direction. My hope is to use what I have learned to help others discover their own path to health and wellness and show them that, regardless of where they begin, they have the power to make changes that can improve their life.
I started taking classes simply to do something positive for myself and fill my time. Today, I see how that decision has helped transform my life and my family’s health. It has given me a new purpose; to encourage others to take that first step toward a healthier future.
I am so grateful for Elena and Elizabeth and their knowledge, encouragement and enthusiasm for my progress and journey. They make it fun and enjoyable to learn and grow and I always look forward to what the quarter will bring. I am also very thankful I get to work at Lower Columbia College and have the opportunity to take classes to enhance my knowledge and ability to serve others.