In the quaint, sun-kissed town of Samara, Costa Rica, lies a school that's transforming the world of massage therapy. The Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy (CRSMT) is not just an institution; it's a haven for those seeking purpose and passion.
One such individual is Ndinelao Biegen, a recent graduate whose journey from Pilesgrove, New Jersey, to the heart of Central America is nothing short of inspiring. In our latest video interview, Dina delves deep into her transformative experience at CRSMT, highlighting her challenges, the unbreakable bonds she formed, and the unparalleled beauty of Costa Rican nature that became an integral part of her education. Dive into this captivating tale that seamlessly blends ambition, adventure, and the allure of a therapeutic touch.
What is Sámara town like?
"I love living in Samara. It's such a beautiful town. It's very small. I love that you go out and you start to see the same faces everywhere you look. It really makes it feel that much more of a community."
What attracted you to a career in Massage Therapy?
"I was just working random jobs, all in food service, and I never really felt fulfilled with that. So I really just wanted to do some traveling. Mostly while I was young, I had always wanted a career in the medical field or related to the medical field. And I had a friend whose cousin studied massage therapy. And once I figured out like that was an option, I almost got obsessed. And I really loved the idea of being able to go to work and help people with my own two hands and leave feeling fulfilled."
How did you find CRSMT?
"I found CRSMT through a Google search. I was looking at massage schools in my area, but I really wanted to see if there were any abroad programs that I could join. So I just typed in abroad schools. Massage Therapy and CRSMT was the first link to show up."
What is the education like at Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy?
"The
schooling is pretty intense. It was a big jump. I hadn't gone to college. I came from high school to here with a gap year in between, so it was a lot to get adjusted to. But in an environment where you're living and breathing massage therapy, it's really all you think about, so it just becomes part of your life, and that makes it so much easier to really put your full focus into it. My biggest challenge being here at CRSMT was trusting in my own abilities and knowing that I had the strength to get through the program even when it felt like I didn't. And one thing that helped me the most was just the support from my fellow classmates. They are always there shoulder to cry on, someone to study with. It was such a supportive community that even when I felt like things were going terribly, I knew that everything was wonderful."
What is it like living on campus in Sámara, Costa Rica?
"The campus is gorgeous. I always refer it to the Garden of Eden because that's how it felt as soon as I stepped in. The atmosphere is really beautiful. It's got such a strong energy here. The plant life, everything is so well taken care of. It's really gorgeous and you know, everything you need is in walking distance, so that's very convenient. And the beach is right next door to the school, so who can hate that?"
What are some of your favorite memories from your time in massage school?
"Oh, my favorite memories. I would have to say anything involving Jan would be a top memory for me. She is such a wonderful lady. I really, really loved our trip out to Chora Island. Our kayaking trip was a great bonding experience. It was a great way to end our quarter and it was really beautiful."
"I did some traveling while I was in Costa Rica. I went to Arenal and I saw the lovely volcano and I also went to Monteverde and I did some hiking in the cloud forest, which was a really beautiful experience. Seeing the rainforest up close and personal was really great."
Tell us about learning Craniosacral Therapy...
"Craniosacral is a really beautiful modality. It was very hard for me to get adjusted to it at first because it's very different from traditional Western massage, just with how it's a very light touch. But when we transitioned it into the ocean and everyone is floating together and you have a group of three people holding you up, one person at your head and one person at your feet, and one person holding your abdomen, you just feel so cared for and it really makes you realize the significance of the modality and how healing it can be. And it was a really great way to end the school year."
What's the biggest takeaway from your time at CRSMT?
"My biggest takeaway from this experience is that I really do have the potential to do anything I put my mind to as long as I stay driven and stay focused and stay determined."
What's next for you in your massage therapy career?
"Next, I'll be going back home to New Jersey and I will take my
MBLEX exam and hopefully within the next few months be a licensed massage therapist. And my end goal is to be board-certified."
What's one piece of advice you would give to someone considering starting their massage therapy career at CRSMT?
"I would say that if you feel the call towards this school, if you look at it and it just instantly feels like home, to not ignore your own intuition and to also not let fear get in the way of a life-changing experience."