Anita and Jessica counting the components in a GC/MS Report
This morning I’m experiencing that peculiar combination of exhilaration and fatigue.
I’ve just spent five days in the classroom teaching Week #1 of the Aromatherapy Certification Program.
Of the four live classes I currently offer at the Aromatic Wisdom Institute, this program requires the most from the student, and from me.
But the rewards for both of us are so worth it!
Watching them Grow
In the first five days of the program, I see ACP students evolve from making that first shaky blend to confidentally creating a formula based on chemical components of essential oils! I watch as they begin with no understanding of plant taxonomy to being able to correctly tell me the Latin binomial of a specific essential oil or explain the difference between two oil chemotypes! And oh! how their faces light when they smell their first vibrant, organic essential oil.
Deer-in-the-Headlights
One of my favorite parts of teaching this program is seeing their deer-in-the-headlight eyes as I draw that first molecule on the board (“Oh Lord, is she gonna make us draw those things?”).
No I’m not mean, I just like it because I know that as alien as that first introduction to essential oil chemistry is, in one month their lack of knowledge will be transformed and they will have an understand of four chemical families, and in two months, ten chemical families! They will be able to look at a GC/MS sheet of an essential oil and tell me something about that oil just based on the constituents listed on the sheet!
It is SO exciting to witness their growth!
Their Commitment = My Respect
I am moved by the commitment my students make to themselves and their future by coming to this class. They take time away from family and work to become Certified Aromatherapists. Many use vacation time and travel long distances to attend the school.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T Aretha had it right. I sure do respect my students.
And as much as I’d like to say, “Hey, look what I did!” when they graduate, I cannot.
Oh nay NAY!
These remarkable students step into the classroom already equipped with the most essential of tools: curiosity, creativity, passion, optimism and a desire to help others.
All I do is give them new skills and help guide them along their pre-destined paths.
You call this Work?
It doesn’t matter how many students I have, there is a lot of preparation on my end for the Aromatherapy Certification Program. Whether I have two (as in this current class) or twenty, I take the same care in preparing each 300-page manual, purchasing lots of oils, butters, hydrosols and more plus bottles, jars and other containers for their blending exercises. I try to keep current with changes in the industry and essential oil research.
When I’m teaching, I get up extra early to check notes, prepare snacks, print out anything relevant that came up from class the day before and make sure I have everything all ready for the day ahead. This part of teaching – the morning prep- is quiet and reflective and sets my tone for the day. Then I teach from 9:30 – 5:30, sometimes staying an hour or so after the students have gone home.
Some would call this work, but truly, it is a labor of love and all done with joy and passion and the reward of helping provide my students with an educational experience that I believe will change their lives. I know it has changed mine.
What a privilege it is to be an Aromatherapy Educator!
Updated June 3, 2024
Glad you are enjoying, loving and living what you’re gift is. Win win for students and you and your family! Keep up the great work you do by educating us and preserving the environment.
Your the BEST…
Sue Treas, don’t you know it’s amazing friends/students like you that make me love what I do? 🙂
i loved your comment “One of my favorite parts of teaching this program is seeing their deer-in-the-headlight eyes”. This is sooo true when you are teaching someone your knowledge. I love that initial oh my goodness can I do this and then when the light bulb goes on and they realize that yes they can ;-)!
Kim, you totally get it!
It’s so fun to share your knowledge and help others grow! There is no better feeling in the world!
I can read that you are a great teacher Liz; I certainly would be one of those people with the “deer-in-the-headlight eyes”. I am pretty sure of that.
When you do something that makes you happy, the happy just gets happier. Keep enjoying the sharing … and the happiness will keep spreading.
As a teacher myself, I can so relate to the “deer in the headlights” comment! I think what’s best about it is that you know soon that will turn into the lightbulb look — you know, that fabulous “aha” moment!
Thanks for taking us into your classroom world! It makes me want to take your courses, and I just might one of these days.
Christiane
There is nothing better than the feeling of sharing what you love with someone who really wants to learn it! Wish you were local…I would sign up today!
Thank you for sharing. I love how you are so passionate about what you do. Love it 🙂
Great to hear…when you love what you do, the hours just fly by and the joy radiates onto others. Thanks for describing a day in the life of doing what you enjoy.
You are doing a great job Liz and keep it up. Sharing your knowledge and educating other is a challenging task. But it would be a great feeling to see them grow and learn.
Seriously who’d a thunk so much went into aromatherapy? I am truly impressed!
I love your heart for teaching!
Thanks so much Kerry!
That is awesome Liz! You are doing a wonderful job!!
Thanks so much Mandy! It helps that I adore what I do!
This is really interesting Liz, thanks for sharing what you do. I never realized how much goes into the practice of aromatherapy, but it’s nice to know there are really qualified people out there. I can relate to your feelings about teaching people new things and what a wonderful unfolding process that is ~ what fun to be able to provide that service to others.
If you are passionate about what you do, a sense of fulfillment awaits you. The feeling is rewarding and that makes teaching a life changing job, both for the student and the teacher.