Each year the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) highlights the success of distance education graduates with the DETC Famous Alumni of the Year award. ACHS believes graduates’ dedication to excellence and hard work should be celebrated, and we are pleased to bestow the honor of 2013 DETC Famous Alumni on this year’s recipient, Jane Thomas.
Jane recently sat down with us (via email) for a brief Q&A about her ACHS experience and the success of her award-winning holistic health business, JB’s Healthmart (http://www.jbshealthmart.com):
ACHS: If you were to summarize your education motto or mantra in one sentence, what would it be?
JT: A passion for wellness meets a desire to earn an accredited degree.
ACHS: What first attracted you to accredited online studies with the American College of Healthcare Sciences?
JT: I chose ACHS because of its reputation for excellence and the opportunity to study at a distance. In order to transform my passion for health and wellness into a career as a holistic health practitioner, I earned my Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine (AAS) in October 2012, graduating with a 3.85 GPA.
ACHS: Now that you have completed your Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine degree, what are your short- and long-term professional plans?
JT: Currently, I am working on a new brand identity for my wellness practice and newsletter format. Long term, I will return to ACHS to complete my aromatherapy training and become a Registered Aromatherapist (RA). At my health food store, we have some plans for expansion and improvements for our customers’ shopping experience.
ACHS: JB’s Healthmart is the only business of its kind in West Plains, MO. What kind of impact do you feel the store is having on your local community?
JT: My store is rurally located with customers driving up 100 miles to shop. Our shelves are well stocked so generally we have the items customers are looking for, but if we don’t, we will order right away. My well-trained staff provides a variety of reliable resources to help answer customer questions.
ACHS: How has distance education changed your life?
JT: Distance education allowed me to combine my passion for holistic wellness with my desire to earn an accredited degree. This decision has enriched my life by building a global peer network of friends, increased my organization and productivity and my self-confidence. The education I received surpassed my expectations and the ACHS provided resources and book suggestions are invaluable to my business, clients, and customers.
Click comment to congratulate Jane or to ask her a question about wellness and health!
Read the full press release here: http://www.achs.edu/achs-graduate-jane-thomas-selected-2013-detc-famous-alumni-year
