Profiles in Diversity: Diana Merrigan, T2 massage therapy student
Posted on June 14, 2005
Although Diana Merrigan, a T2 massage therapy student, has been in the United States for 10 years, she still treasures her Mexican heritage. In addition to being a massage therapy student at Northwestern, Merrigan tells stories featuring Mexican folklore at libraries and organizations around the Twin Cities. She also teaches Mexican folkloric dance.
As one of the recipients of Northwestern Health Sciences University’s two 50-percent tuition reduction diversity scholarships, she hopes to share her heritage with the campus community.
Why were you interested in pursuing Northwestern’s Diversity Scholarship?
I have always been interested in and aware of diversity issues. I used to work in the Minneapolis School District as a bilingual aid and language arts teacher for Hispanic students. I went to a lot of workshops on diversity. I also wrote a couple of books for the district about diversity.
The district had a lot of diversity. There was a fusion of cultures that was so beautiful. Every single culture has something to contribute to the others.
How do you plan to be involved in promoting diversity on campus?
As the scholarship winner, I get to be a part of the Diversity Commission. I am very excited about that. I am so happy to be involved. I am also working on translating the brochure for the Summer Science Academy. I also hope to do some sort of visual display about Mexico — something that would interest people in the Mexican culture.
Why are you pursuing an education in massage therapy?
I have always been very interested in holistic health. When I was a child, my mother took me to a shaman. Using herbs and rubbing — it’s almost like healing touch — he would cleanse the body.
When I am giving a massage, I feel like I am helping to release tension and other negative things in the body. I want to help people. There are so many benefits to massage; it’s amazing how you can help people change their lives. Stress is so common. By helping release people’s stress, I am helping them heal.
Why did you choose Northwestern?
I read a lot about massage and other modalities so when I got a postcard about Northwestern’s programs, I decided to take a tour. When I was here, I felt the school was really concerned about the students. The other schools seemed to be more interested in students from a business perspective. Northwestern was so welcoming and warm. I just love it here!
What do you want to do after graduation?
I want to have my own practice someday. I would like to work part-time and maybe teach and learn more about energy healing. My mom always had several jobs at the same. It seems like I somehow inherited that!