Sherman PRIDE

LCW Luncheon

The League of Chiropractic women hosted two great events this week.  The first was a technique seminar with Dr. Stephens, and the second was a ladies luncheon to welcome the first and second quarter students.  For those of you that don’t know The LCW is a voice for all women in chiropractic—DCs, CAs, spouses, students, administrators, teachers and more. The focus is to empower women in chiropractic, and to develop leaders in the profession. 

 

Are technique seminar was open to women in all quarters, even those of us still in palpation who have had no technique classes yet.  I am rapidly learning that chiropractic has a language that separates us from other professions.  When you are new to the field it had be a little hard to follow.  If someone said to you I am going to use knee-chest technique on you, I am sure you could fill your mind with a million different ideas of what that might look like.  Now I know! 
One of the most important topics discussed was how to adapt for our God given assets. 

 

As for the ladies luncheon, well what can I say good food: chips and dip, quiche, ham rolls, chocolate chip cookies made by Dr. Gibbon, deviled eggs, brownies, cupcakes, fruit pizza, punch. (if I left anything out that someone made I apologize).  Anna Elkin spoke about the club, its purpose, upcoming events, and opportunities she and others have had through LCW.  As far as professional growth and development is concerned, if you are a woman you would be crazy not to join this club!

The Undeniable Treasure

There are undeniable treasures that have created chiropractic’s heritage. Firstly, there are the people that stood tall and firm for the cause in the very beginning of chiropractic history- D.D. Palmer, founder; Dr. B.J. Palmer, developer; and Dr. Mable Palmer, the “sweetheart” of the students during her tenure at Palmer College. 

Other treasures include the early doctors taught by B.J. that chose to spend time in jail rather than to stop practicing their art actually propelled chiropractic into reality by sheer dedication.

Sherman Colleges’ heritage include treasures the likes of Dr. Lyle Sherman, Drs. Thom and Betty Gelardi, Drs. Reggie and Irene Gold, and many others currently working on behalf of the college as members of the Boards of Trustees, the Board of Regents and as professors.

There are the “33 Principles” of Chiropractic,” the “Green Books” of B.J. Palmer which  discuss his philosophy, the science he investigated, the art he developed as well as fascinating stories capturing the mood and politics of the early to mid 20th Century. There is the “Little Bit of Heaven” that B.J. created in his time of inner turmoil and contemplation. These are all treasures. 
 
The many chiropractic techniques that have been developed and researched over the years are treasures to humanity. Without them, so many would continue to suffer ill health and pain. 

Yet tonight, I contemplate something far more valuable than any of the above. On my mind tonight is the treasure that I hold when I prepare to adjust. I hold in my hands a life. I hold in my hands a human being. Here before me is someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, child. Someone’s precious, precious child! And here I stand, at his moment entrusted with this life.

It has taken me time (one of the principles) to come to this juncture in my life. Many things learned as I walked towards my life in chiropractic. Most important in my development as a healer was when I held each of my children after their birth. I was then aware of the preciousness of life. And now, true to life’s purpose, as I hold these individual lives in my hands I appreciate and value the undeniable treasures that they are. Without these undeniable treasures, there would be no purpose in chiropractic.

Chiropractic Philosophy 101

Chart by B.J. Palmer

Definitions:
Innate Intelligence: that intelligence that directs the life force and all functions of the body, resides in all living things. Does not cause harm, supports and nourishes life functions. 

Innate Brain: the living brain that responds to Innate Intelligence (they all do).

Educated Brain: the part of our brain that goes to school can sometimes be harmful.

Innate Body: the living body (all parts) that responds to Innate Intelligence.

Educated Body: the body, in essence, that may be trained (I believe) by the Educated Brain. This training may sometimes be harmful.

Food  for thought. Thoughts to contemplate for every chiropractic student.

Chiropractic Philosophy 101

Snow Day!

There are certain benefits to going to school in the south. Friday I was able to experience my first snow day ever, when the school closed down for an impending storm. Having come from an undergraduate institution in Rexburg, Idaho (a town that students affectionately referred to as Iceburg), I'm used to copious amounts of snow (without plowing I might add) without ever letting out of school for it. I do remember a few days when I was there that school was let out for my kids because the temperature was too low to start the school busses (diesel freezes at approximately -20 farenheit). But because the college did not run busses, it remained open. Therefore, having a snow day was a new and enjoyable experience for me. Instead of staying here until 3:00 in the afternoon, the school was closed at 11:00, so I was able to hit the road for Kentucky at about 10:30. The storm ended up to really be a lot of bluster, but little fury, as it only slowed down my drive by a few minutes, but I am happy to have it. The mild weather of the south is fantastic, but sometimes even better is the unfamiliarity of winter weather down here which can get us a little extra time off of school.

 

My Birthday at Sherman

Birthdays are funny things. Some people wait in expectation for the day to arrive each year when people you love celebrate their life. Other people say don’t remind me and wish the day would go by without any notice from anyone. 

Yes, I acknowledge there are many opinions in-between these two extremes. I am sure there are lots of different factors as to why people feel a certain way, such as the age they are turning, if they are close or far away from loved ones, and past birthday experiences. 

Birthdays in my family have always been a big deal--a special gift sent to school, a favorite meal for dinner with cake and candles, and a party with my friends. This year was a birthday I will never forget. 

My apartment mate Rachel made me a gift. Tami, a classmate, baked cupcakes. I received two cards, one from the whole class and the other from Ryan Burkhart. I learned that I share my birthday with two other Sherman students: what are the odds of that? Our classmates sang Happy Birthday while Ryan Conner and I stood at the front of the class. We cut the calvaria off of our cadaver in anatomy lab. Then I spent the evening studying for our first anatomy test on Thursday. What a day to remember!

Snow Day

Being a Michigan native, I am familiar with the concept of a snow day. A good deal of snow falls during the night, most optimally between the hours of 4-6 a.m., with a blowing wind so the plow/salt trucks can’t keep up with the accumulation. This means a lot of snow to play with the following day.

Apparently, this isn’t the way it works in South Carolina. Today, many schools closed because there was a forecast of freezing rain in the afternoon. So, Sherman closed its campus at 11 a.m. The weather was fine when I left campus at 10 a.m. It wasn’t raining. It was maybe 26 degrees with 2 snowflakes in sight. I had to wonder what the big deal was. Since then, we have seen almost no accumulation, though it has flurried. I only wish I could be at the local supermarket store to see if people really buy out all the milk and bread.

Overall, safety is no laughing matter. It is great that the school systems closed today so the children will be safe, and there will be less traffic on the road at the worst time of the storm if it rolls in. It is just funny when you consider/compare this type of weather to the north. I mean who gets a snow day without snow on the ground?

Answer: schools in the South.

  

Bagelfest Winter 13

Bagel Fest is a great Sherman tradition. The entire school gathered to hear announcements from the administration, to validate the accomplishment of our students being pinned as health center interns, and welcoming our newest students.

Announcements included a need for a Student Government. Elections weren’t held last quarter which saw the end of the student organization. LaShanda  Hutto-Harris, Dean of student affairs, promised that without the formation of a new CSG, there would be a lack of coordination of the clubs and events that the student body love and would hate see disappear.

Rugby Coach Adam Ashcraft also announced that Sherman would be switching to the increasingly popular 7s rugby rather than the 15s it had been playing prior. This promises to be a faster paced game with a lot more athleticism. The core group of Sherman rugby players seemed very excited for the change.

Dr. George Luo also presented Jasen VanDyke with an award for work on researching the chiropractic effect on epilepsy showing in patients. This is a big deal since his research was featured in the local newspaper.

Then, the incoming interns were pinned by Dr. Adam Morrell, Dean of Clinics. The interns lined the stage as the student body applauded their accomplishment.

Finally, the incoming students were brought through one at a time. A basic profile of their educational back ground and hobbies were projected behind them as they walked by. The roast masters read them, adding a certain flare which had the crowd laughing for most of the procession of the 30+ students. Last, the students performed their interpretation of classic songs like “Too Close” by Adam Clare and the theme song to Fresh Prince of Bel Air. With a roar of boos and some laughter, the first quarter students were welcomed into the program. Their performance had many enthralled.  

Overall, it was a very entertaining event and a great tradition of coming together as a college. 

Work Study Rocks

For those of you who don’t know I have the best work study ever!  I work for the Office of Institutional Advancement.  Basically I get to call alumni and ask for donations, as well as connect with them about Sherman. 

You may be thinking “That sounds terrifying asking for money” or “What if they say no?”  I don’t take it personally.  I have learned that you never know someone’s situation or what they are going through.  A smile and a friendly hello can make all the difference in the world at the right moment.

Usually I call an office and the receptionist answers that the doctor is busy with patients (as I hope to be one day). I leave a message and try back another day.  Today was a special occasion.  I happened to find this particular doctor in the office on his day off.  He came in to do a spinal exam for a patient and had some time before the patient arrived. 

We proceeded to have a conversation for about an hour about chiropractic.  I appreciate this doctor, as well as other alumni I have talked to, taking the time to speak with me. I am not going to go into all the details, but I will say I am so glad to be a Sherman student where they teach subluxation as the foundation of chiropractic.  I am so thankful to the doctors that have come before me and fought for the distinction of our profession.  And I urge current and future students to stay true to the science, philosophy, and art of CHIROPRACTIC!

Random Fun!

I think Sunday is my favorite day of the week.  Today started by going to church with my husband and girls; there is nothing like preparing your soul for the week ahead.  Church was followed by the weekly grocery shop.  As a mom, any retail therapy I use to enjoy has now turned into grocery shopping therapy.  We had lunch with my parents and the girls played on the swing.  It was incredibly warm for January I think the high was in the mid 70s.  It was a great day to be outside. 

The afternoon was filled with the 2.5 hours drive from Sevierville, TN back to Sherman.  It is an easy drive along I-40 then I-26.  There is one point along I-26 that you start going down a mountain, there is not another mountain chain in sight, and I swear, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean. 

Sunday evenings we always have a dinner party with a few classmates.  We started last quarter taking turns fixing dinner because no one wants to eat alone, and it is more fun to cook for a group.   Tonight after dinner we played a game of disk golf just throwing disks at light poles and trees around the apartment complex.  Sometimes the best memories are made from random acts of fun!  Now I feel refreshed and ready to start another week. 

Meet Ryan!

My name is Ryan Burkhart. My father is a Sherman College alumnus and this played an immense role in my life and enrollment at Sherman College. I grew up under what is often called the “chiropractic lifestyle.” Typically this refers to a mentality that an adjustment will help the body deal with most ailments. It also avoids drug use and vaccination, labeling them detrimental to your overall health.

Therefore, when I became interested in the sciences and health in high school, I knew the “traditional” medical model wouldn’t be a good fit for me. So, my sophomore year of high school I decided to start working for enrollment in chiropractic school.

I think I ultimately ended up at Sherman College because of their commitment to philosophy. I figured I would learn to adjust at any college, but I saw Sherman as a place to think both the why and the how of chiropractic. Other than chiropractic care, I am passionate about my family and personal faith walk. I also enjoy chilling with friends and wasting time watching YouTube videos.