Find Your Passion and GO FOR IT!

LJIC’s Cedar Falls Massage Therapy student, Ashley Parcel, is only a few short weeks away till graduation but she is ready to share her PASSION for healing!

Ashley’s background in healthcare along with her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences guided her to find her true passion in Massage Therapy at La’ James International College in Cedar Falls. “It took a while for me to figure out where in the Holistic Healthcare career I wanted to be in.” It was the Massage Therapy instructor that helped showed Ashley why this career was the right place for her.“I was on a tour before enrolling and met Ms. Eicher who told me, ‘You can’t do this because you want a job, you have to have the HEART behind it.’” From then, everything had fallen into place for Ashley.

Ashley credits her background growing up on a farm with her dedication and perseverance to work. “I grew up on a farm in Northwest Iowa with three siblings and I’m blessed to have that background for the importance of working hard to achieve your goals.” Choosing LJIC in Cedar Falls to further her Massage Therapy career was easy for Ashley, though her journey has had its ups and downs. “My family and I went through a lot of changes in the last year; I got married, we bought a house, and still worked a part-time job so I’ve had some powerful experiences while attending LJIC.” Ashley’s hard work has paid off though, she has won the award for Highest Spa Sales almost EVERY week since she has been able to take clients.

Ashley credits her instructors and clients for her determination to be successful after graduation and throughout her career. “Helping clients is the most rewarding feeling. I’ve made a difference for them and now they want to see me succeed after graduation!” As graduation approaches for Ashley, she is looking forward to opening her practice in September at a Rec. Center in Cedar Falls! “No matter what stage you are at in your life, find your PASSION, put the WORK and HEARTinto your clients and you’ll find SUCCESS!”