What the Students Are Saying

Lisa

Thesis Title: The Alchemy of Lyme Disease: The Paradox of Illness as Opportunity Through an Exploration of the Connections Between this Epidemic's Effects on the Human Body and its Effects on the Larger Body of the Earth.

“I absolutely love Goddard’s organic nature -- how it allows you to intuitively align with who you are, and consequently what your unique place is in this world. Society rarely provides us with such a space and I feel so lucky because we are actually encouraged to embark on an exploration of self-discovery -- to find our authentic voice – so when we leave we can go back into the world and offer the results of our deeply profound work.”

Tim

Thesis Topic: Tim’s thesis was a rich academic inquiry into the ancient history and philosophy of Ta-chi and Chi-kung.

“I came to Goddard with a very specific project in mind, one that was perhaps more conventionally academic--while still being interdisciplinary--than is usual in this very unusual program. As a full time Ta-chi and Chi-kung instructor, I looked to the program as an opportunity to develop my historical and broadly theoretical understanding of the context and antecedents of these arts. The Health Arts program allowed me to pursue my vision and broaden it--both practically and academically, without forcing my work into a more 'alternative' paradigm. I have been encouraged to wed my academic interests to practical application in the community--which after all was my inspiration for the project to begin with. My initial goals included not only higher academic achievement but to publish a book that would be of use to the pedagogical communities, both academic and practical. I find this work greatly advanced by my time at Goddard and the profound consideration my advisor has tended it, which shows that even "traditionally' rigorous academic work can fit into the vision of community oriented research and practice."

Traci

Thesis Topic: Traci looked into how to expand yoga to be a more inclusive community health modality. “Within the Health Arts program, I have received guidance and workshops on how to make a living, how to market my skills and services, and how to network effectively. Being a part of this community has provided a safe place for integrating my experiences as a yoga teacher and practitioner, and as an activist and artist into work that continues to evolve and to feed me intellectually, spiritually, and professionally.” 

Eleanor

Thesis Topic: Eleanor’s work looked at how to use therapeutic journal writing in combination with holistic nutrition counseling as a treatment for food and weight issues.

“Goddard has given me permission to study what I truly care about. At first it was scary to realize that no one was going to tell me what to learn or think, but the program has helped me develop a sense of self-motivation, focus, and clarity about my goals that I will carry with me long after graduation.”

Anne

Thesis Topic: Herbal Voices: American Herbalism Through the Words of American Herbalists.

“I came to Goddard as a plant person, someone who loved the solitude of her garden. Through my experiences in the Health Arts program, however, my vision expanded and, I began to understand myself as a thread in the intricate tapestry of American herbalism, a thread that was integral to the structure of the whole. I realized how diverse the American herbal community was and started to think deeply about how such a group develops a sense of identity and long-term sustainable vision with so many unique voices. This line of thought was coupled with a burgeoning understanding of key issues that the herbal community faced as herbal healing exponentially increased in popularity. While at Goddard I focused on advocating for a cohesive, grounded and sustainable future for the American herbal community. I interviewed herbal clinicians, educators and business owners from across the country asking them to describe their experiences of practicing herbalism during such a challenging time. As my final project, I edited many of these interviews and compiled them with my own reflections on the state of modern American herbal healing. So compelling and ground breaking was this study that it was quickly picked up for publication in book form. Fall 2004 saw the first copies roll off the press. Without the support of colleagues and faculty in the Health Arts program, this book would have remained a swirl of thoughts and questions in my head…and I might still be in the garden. Instead, through my experiences in the Health Arts program, I truly realized the importance of being an awake, aware and active member of a wider community. I began medical school in 2005."

Larry

Thesis Title: The Physical and Mental Health Consequences Caused from Consuming a Standard American Diet.” “Goddard College provided one of the most unique and meaningful educational experiences of my entire 22 years of college studies. I am indebted to Goddard College and its fine faculty members for helping me define my educational and professional goals. As a college professor already at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, MI and a psychologist, I had very specific requirements that I needed to complete in order to meet certain certification and professional standards. Goddard's faculty and Director worked with me closely to create a program, which would accomplish this. My thesis (now titled A Diet that Kills and One That Heals) focused on the health dangers associated with consuming the Standard American Diet. As a result of my writing and degree, I now teach a college class called "Biological Foundations of Nutrition". Another part of my writing and educational training is now used in the Anatomy and Physiology component of a college class I teach in biology. Many of the nutritional concepts I studied are now used in my nutritional and counseling clinics. A great opportunity awaits you at Goddard.”