David Johnson

David Johnson graduated from the Salt Lake Campus of the Utah College of Massage Therapy in March of 2000. Before his final class, David had been offered a job with not one, but two of the top resort spas in the nation, Spa Ojai in Ojai, California and The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After weighing the pros and cons of each spa and looking at what his own personal goals were, David finally decided to venture into Southern California and pursue his dreams of working as a massage therapist at Spa Ojai.

Not long after he had begun his new career, David sent this letter to the Career Services Department:

"One year ago I was at a crossroads in my life. I was a successful grant writer for a large corporation in Florida. I was promoted four times in four years in that organization, however, with each promotion, it became clearer that I was not enjoying more happiness and fulfillment. In fact, I knew for sure that I needed to make a change in my life. I knew I wanted to be happy and I knew I wanted to help people on a one-to-one basis.

"I began informally researching the spa industry, and after a short while. I realized I had found what I was looking for – a new career in a rapidly growing field, working on-to-on with people seeking a higher life experience – and all this in the surroundings of beautiful, serene, stress-relieving settings. I decided I would work at one of America’s greatest spas and I would do this by learning how to become a massage therapist.

"I then decided if I was going to work at one of the greatest spas in the country, I needed to attend one of America’s best massage programs – one that was really able to prepare me for working in a professional spa setting. Right after making that decision, I was turning the pages of a current issue of Healing Retreats & Spas Magazine when I found and ad that said, ‘Want to work in paradise?… We can make it happen.’ I called the toll free number and spoke with a very kind admissions representative of the Utah College of Massage Therapy. He answered every question I had perfectly. When all of my questions were answered, I registered for the next available class right then over the phone.

"My six months at UCMT were the happiest, most wonderful days of my adult life. The staff were just amazingly positive and helpful and so inspiring to me. I am so grateful to everyone. I worked very hard at UCMT – studying, practicing, learning, experimenting, networking and growing the person and talents I wanted to share with others. All of the hard work has been so worthwhile. The whole experience at UCMT prepared me to make my dream a reality. Before graduating, I was encouraged by staff at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa to come out to California and interview with them. And so I did.

"I flew to Los Angeles, drove to Ojai, interviewed at their gorgeous spa on my birthday and was offered a massage therapist position with them the very same day! I was so excited and I still am.

"Giving massage at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is just paradise. The staff are a joy to work with, the weather is ideal and the surroundings are incredibly lush – the scent of orange blossoms and jasmine and honeysuckle is always in the air. The most wonderful part of the whole experience though are the guests. They come from all over the country and across the world – some are famous celebrities from TV and movies, some are professional athletes, others are educators, brides-to-be and avid seekers of a holistic healing experience. What they all share in common is their consistent and expressive gratitude to the therapists they receive treatments with at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. It is this deep gratitude and kindness of the guests every day that makes me so happy.

"The dream I had of working at one of America’s greatest spas has come true. Now, it is my reality. I really do work in paradise. I really do work at a truly great spa. I am so thankful to everyone at UCMT who helped me ‘make it happen.’ To everyone in Admissions, Career Services, the Student Clinic, Housing, Financial Aid, Academic Guidance, all of the wonderful instructors, teaching assistants and PTAs, to everyone in the Bodyworks store and Marketing, you lived up to your promise when you said, ‘We can make it happen.’

"To every student and graduate at UCMT, I say, work hard, stay positive, believe in yourself and your school, and you will make your dreams a reality too. My best wishes and much love to everyone at the Utah College of Massage Therapy."

Along with his job with Spa Ojai, David is also running a part-time private practice business, which is growing and becoming quite successful. He works on clients throughout, Ojai, Ventura and Los Angeles making more money than he did when he worked as a grant writer for a large corporation. He also has more free time to spend as he pleases in his new "paradise."