Hitting The Books

[Bunny Berry]

Have any of you gone back to school to learn more about nutrition, wellness, coaching, etc? I am enrolling in a couple of programs since I am pretty sure I don't want to go back to building websites for a living. I'm going to start out with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and see how that works out for me. I'm enrolling today to take advantage of a $1500 discount.

So, tell me your stories. Where did you go to school. Was it worth it? I'm a believer in lifelong education, so I'm sure IIN will only be my first stop. How about you? Where do you want to go?

[Natalie George]

I'm taking a holistic nutrition program in Kansas City from someone who attended IIN. It's just ok. For me personally, I did not learn very much new so it did not seem worth the $5000+ that I spent on the program. I'm a bit disappointed by it actually. I've been studying nutrition and natural healing for over 20 years so I'd say the best thing that came out of this for me was to trust myself as an expert and it gave me the confidence that I do know what I'm talking about. Confidence and trust in myself are definitely worthwhile but $5000+ worth? I guess those things are priceless :)

If you know a lot about nutrition, I'd say you do not need the program. If you want to make some great contacts, build your confidence, increase your nutrition and holistic knowledge base, then it could be worthwhile.

For me, I'd look at a different school. Man, as I'm writing this, I'm realizing how jaded I feel by paying so much for something I didn't feel was really worth it given my experience :) Maybe you shouldn't listen to my opinion. Ha!

For reals though, if you are being called to take it, it's best to trust those instincts and I'm sure something great will unfold before you.

[malisa]

OMG! I want to go to school for this" Holistic Health Counselor" it any way you can help stire me in the right direction. But I want to do it on line because I'm a house wife. Holistic Health Counselor is what everyone says I should do because I love all the health food stuff and I know about every vitamin out there. People call me all the time asking what they should take for a ailment. I feel honored but I think if I get some backing I can really make a big difference.
How long did it take you and did you to finish? Was it hard?
Malisa

Candice Colbert said:

Hey Bunny,
I actually graduated from IIN in 2008! I'm glad I went when I did. I got so much out of the classes by being in New York City with the other students. The program completely changed my life.
I didn't end up becoming a Holistic Health Counselor, but the information I learned in invaluable. I know how to feed myself, both physically and spiritually. Also, when I have a family I'll know how to keep them healthy as well ( my fiance is a "work in progress").

[Shirley Hunsberger raw chef]

HI Bunny,
I went to Maine and took Alissa Cohen's teacher training class for $2,500.00 plus cost of accommodations for one week per person plus air fare.My total expenses were around $6,000.00 for two people .
I have been teaching her level one class for about a year and a half and in that amount of time I have managed to break even on my expenses .
I am about as enthusiastic as they come when it comes to the raw food diet and lifestyle and still have the same level of excitement now as I did back when I first started . I am seeing the effects of the economy on the numbers of people willing to pay $125.00 to take a level one class
My last class had no-one sign up. the one before that had three. I was so excited. the one before that had two. $25.00 of that $125.00 per person goes to Alissa since they are her recipes. I also pay $10 per month to have a link on her website to a page that list when my classes are.
There are advanced classes that I offer for $650.00 for two days worth of training in which one learns how to sprout and to make recipes using a dehydrator .
Was it worth it? I have only had two people sign up for that class total and unless I call these people they do not call me .
Yes it is worth it to just do something . I feel like I may have reached one or two people in the whole tow years but heck that makes it all worth while . It didn't put food on my plate or pay for me to live but I am not giving up .
I am giving classes at the local Wholefoods market as often as they allow .I also have a website toberaw.com but like most it needs work.
Quite frankly I feel stuck and I am ready to try some additional education although with things the way they are I also have little money to spend.I would love to be able to help others more as they transition or explore the raw food diet and feel frustrated that more people are not taking advantage of what I have to offer.
I know that this whole economy thing will pass but it is hard to be patient when one is sitting on something as wonderful as this and just wants to share it.
Ronnie and I volunteered at the Raw Spirit Fest this year and had a great time. We also attended the one in Sedona last year.I was hoping to be inspired to do something . I was inspired to volunteer for the one in Santa Barbara and the one in DC !
I so want to be able to make a career out of this but despite my efforts feel like I am floundering. There are so many other people in my position right now and we are fueling the fires of others . One day I hope to have my own fire burning brighter. It is hard to know what to do.What is the best thing to do? Well at least you are doing something . Doing something is better than nothing at all even though it may not be the best possible thing.
Good luck with your training .
Shirley Hunsberger Raw food teacher and chef

[Jenni]

That sounds awesome! I am just starting an MBA in marketing. I will learn to use the force for good! (My ultimate dream is to work with an organization that helps animals and/or empowers kids of all sizes to dance)