In life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, torn between our desires and a higher calling. This is the story of my journey as a pharmacist, navigating the delicate balance between my passion for healthcare and an inner conflict with traditional medication-based treatments. Along the way, I learned to trust in God and embrace uncertainty, leading me to make a life-altering decision with nothing but faith as my guide.
The Call to Pharmacy
Throughout high school, I grappled with the perennial question of career and life goals, finding myself without a clear answer. I worked as a clerk at a small independent pharmacy, but the idea of becoming a pharmacist never crossed my mind; I perceived it as a dull and unexciting profession. Upon starting college, I declared my major as behavioral health, intending to work towards becoming a neuropsychologist, a decision I made without much reasoning.
However, my first semester brought an unsettling realization that I was on the wrong track; psychology was not my calling. Simultaneously, I felt drawn to become a pharmacist, though I did not realize then that it was God's intervention. Accepting these intuitions, I changed my major to chemistry and started on my journey towards pharmacy school. I had a desire to be an integral part of the healthcare system, to understand health and well-being, and to serve others. Despite feeling called to pharmacy, I struggled to align with the conventional approach to "healing" through medications, which puzzled me, yet I remained convicted to pursue this path.
I attended undergrad at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, a small school tucked into the redwoods on the northern coast, known at the time as a hippie, pot-smoking school. Immersed in that environment, I became intrigued by alternative medicine. While tailoring my major to fit pharmacy school prerequisites, I found myself searching for an alternative medicine school option. However, I could not find one that seemed right, and I felt that God wanted me to attend pharmacy school. With divine guidance, I went to the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, graduating in 2006. It was quite a different scene from HSU, but I made amazing friends and received a great education.
Faith and my Journey
I struggled to understand why I was led to pharmacy; I yearned for clarity—or even better, an email from God outlining His plan. Alas, no emails came, leaving me to rely on faith alone. I accepted that God wanted me to be a pharmacist, and at times I even enjoyed my career and times that I could see why God had put me in pharmacy.
With fifteen years of experience as a pharmacist under my belt, a new calling came: it was time to move on. I was on the thirty-year plan to pay off my student loans, and yes, I was only halfway through that payment plan. The thought of leaving my stable career, with financial responsibilities and no backup plan, filled me with uncertainty and fear, serious, serious fear. Once again, I was questioning God's plan for me, I did everything I could to postpone His plan. Nevertheless, the dreadful day finally arrived when I could no longer ignore the call for change. I faced the difficult choice of leaving my job without a parachute, without any concrete plans for the future. It was a leap of faith, more like a shove really. I drove home crying, filled with a crazy mix of utter fear and overwhelming thankfulness.
As I reflect on my journey into and out of pharmacy, I see the threads of divine guidance woven throughout my life. I may not have understood the reasons behind my choices at the time, but in retrospect, I can see how each step served a purpose in shaping me into who I am today.
The Next Chapter
I wish I could say that everything has been coming up roses since that day, but it has been a challenge. I have been without a steady paycheck for over three years, though thankfully, my wonderful husband is supporting the family during this time. Despite spending the first few months going through daily mental breakdowns and financial worries, I remain grateful to God.
I have had the incredible opportunity to homeschool my children, learn herbalism and arometherapy at my own pace, and become more involved in our church. God has not promised me an easy path; in fact, He has made it clear that my path will involve many bumps and struggles. Nonetheless, I start every day with a smile, knowing that I am a child of God. Embracing the unknown, trusting in God, and being open to change have been invaluable lessons. I find comfort in knowing that, while I may not have all the answers, I have faith that I am where I am meant to be.
A Passion for Wellness
Through these challenges, I discovered a deeper purpose: not just to navigate my own path, but to help others find theirs. This realization sparked my passion for teaching wellness skills and set me on a new course. I am deeply passionate about serving my community, particularly in the realm of health and wellness. I see a growing need in our community for wellness support, guidance, and education—especially when it comes to understanding medications and caring for ourselves.
With my background in pharmacy, newfound understanding of herbalism and aromatherapy, and faith in the Lord, I am equipped to make a differenc. My reluctance to conform to the standard "pill mindset" positions me to approach wellness more thoughtfully. Today, my passion lies in empowering others to take charge of their health by learning the basics of herbalism and applying this knowledge in their own homes.
My Mission
I am committed to teaching and equipping my community members with practical, foundational knowledge about herbalism and aromatherapy. By sharing simple, accessible ideas—like brewing chamomile tea for stress or using lavender oil for relaxation—I aim to help individuals build confidence in supporting their well-being naturally. Whether it's understanding how to prepare herbal teas, create basic remedies, or safely use essential oils, I want to inspire and guide others to become home herbalists in their own right.
I am dedicated to providing education, encouragement, and support. By equipping you with the tools and understanding of herbalism and aromatherapy, my goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about your wellness. With this knowledge, you can confidently explore natural options, complement conventional care as desired, and cultivate a deeper sense of wellness autonomy grounded in faith.
I wholeheartedly believe that God has brought me to this juncture. While uncertainties may lie ahead, I am propelled by my faith and a genuine desire to create a positive impact in the lives of those around me. Embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I am dedicated to serving my community with honest compassion. If you are curious about herbalism or aromatherapy, I would love for you to join me on this adventure. Together, we can explore simple ways to bring wellness into our homes—rooted in faith and a love.
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