After working in hospitality for over 10 years, Marie Dorin felt the need to make a change and learn something new. Having explored different roles in Queenstown’s tourism sector, Marie had been a waitress, housekeeper, and receptionist. “Within these fields I acquired a wide range of experience and growth,” she said.
Marie acknowledged she’s always held an interest in the well-being world, especially massage. “Since a young age I have always been attracted to connections and touch which can warm and heal people in need.”
Starting by researching for courses online, Marie also took on board word-of-mouth and local suggestions. “After searching for different course options in New Zealand, the SIT Wellness and Relaxation diploma course was the most appealing and condensed course I could find.”
Marie hoped that studying through SIT would “make me love what I was about to be trained for”, recalling that when she was younger, studying wasn’t her thing. “I was not a good student. I was hoping to find passion in what I was about to study, and feel a sense of pride knowing I was walking the right path.”
The diploma programme covered Human Anatomy and Physiology, Health Aspects of Exercise and Nutrition, Foundation of Therapeutic and Sport Massage, Therapeutic Clinic and Case Study Learning, and Maori wellness philosophy and approach.
The main lesson Marie learned from the course was the importance of looking after the body. “Your body is the only tool that will help you go through life. Take care of it. Eat well, exercise , breathe, sleep”. Her biggest challenge came from tackling study after a considerable time. “Everything was new,” Marie explained. “It was difficult to train my brain to professional studies again. It takes time to learn how to analyse, interpret, evaluate, make a judgement and be able to clarify my thinking.”
“Don’t get discouraged by the hardship of a task,” she advised. “Reach out for help if needed, someone will most probably need the same help as you need. My classmates and teachers were amazing.”
Studying the Wellness and Relaxation diploma has facilitated personal growth for Marie “as a professional and as a human”. She discovered most of the information she learnt could be applied in her everyday life; this helped her to understand how valuable it was. “The programme is all about the people and you. Learn something you like,” she added.
Now a certified massage therapist working in a spa, Marie aims to open her own clinic one day. She would like her qualification to be used for healing people in need, “and offering the ‘me time’ we all need to escape the pressure of the world, which can weigh heavily on our shoulders,” she said.
Hyflex (Hybrid-Flexible) is the innovative and flexible learning mode which makes it possible to study SIT Massage qualifications - Diploma, Bachelor's (Year 2 and 3), Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma, or Master's - from anywhere in New Zealand. You will learn via online classes and the face-to-face block weeks. Learn from the leaders in massage education whilst remaining in your hometown. Enquire today.