“I think Naturopathy’s holistic approach to health is a natural extension of what I do,” Eleni said. “I started studying it about 15 years ago, but then I got a job offer I couldn’t refuse. So, I spent ten years teaching beauty therapy at TAFE, along with working in day spas and wellness centres. After I had my son, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, but I returned to my job. Then my daughter was born, and I decided to pick up my studies. I had postnatal depression, and I wanted to learn how to look after myself and my family.”

Eleni started afresh, asking students about where to study a Naturopathy course in Melbourne. “I heard good things about Endeavour, and its online learning platform suited my lifestyle. When I enrolled, my children were 18 months and three years old,” Eleni said. “I chose part-time study because I’m a mum, wife, skin therapist and a student!”

“Returning to study as a mature-aged student was challenging, especially when younger students seem to be in the rhythm of assignments. But I loved the connection with the lecturers, who are willing to share their real-life clinical experience to cement your knowledge. I’ve also met a lot of Mums on campus, and it’s inspiring to hear other people’s journeys.”

The COVID-19 lockdown has been a bumpy ride for Eleni. Unable to learn face-to-face or conduct skin consultations in-person, she moved her business and studies online, tweaking her Endeavour timetable to make it more remote-learning friendly.

“We’ve had our ups and downs. Balancing home learning for young children, my studies and the business has been difficult, but we’ve managed,” Eleni said. “If you’re really passionate, you make it work. I like Endeavour’s live lectures because I can ask questions and the chat forum is engaging. And, I can join them in my PJs if I need to, with the video off, of course! After my kids go to bed, I catch up on my assignments and anything I’ve missed.”

“In some ways, the lockdown was a blessing. Some of my subjects, like Clinical Nutritional Medicine and Clinical Herbal Medicine, were previously only on-campus subjects,” Eleni said. “I’ve enjoyed these subjects because the case studies bring the knowledge you’ve learnt to life. They’ve also given me an insight into what it will be like to start in the student clinic next year.”

Eleni believes Endeavour’s clinical skills training has made her a better consultant in her own business, Mata Wellbeing. She is also part of the Liebe Wellness team in Monee Ponds. “My long-term goal is to become a naturopath, working alongside other health practitioners to teach women, especially mothers, to better look after themselves from the inside out.”

Future of Wellness

The Future of Wellness series features stories from current Endeavour students around the country. From where they started to where they are now to where they are headed, we celebrate their unique stories and perspectives.

Interested in reading more Future of Wellness stories? Head here for more.