For Sophie Drew, a first-year student in the Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) program at Kootenay Columbia College, healing is more than just a profession, it’s part of her heritage.
Sophie grew up immersed in the world of alternative medicine. Her mother, an acupuncturist, graduated from the Traditional Chinese Medicine program at Kootenay Columbia College in 2003 after beginning her journey there in 1999. That experience left a lasting impression on Sophie. With holistic health as a cornerstone of her upbringing, the decision to pursue Massage Therapy felt like a natural step.
“Alternative medicine has always been part of my life,” Sophie shares. “It’s what I’ve known since I was young, and it’s what I’ve always been drawn to.”
Despite hearing that the RMT program would be academically rigorous—and finding that to be true—Sophie says the experience has been both manageable and rewarding. Her key to success? Realistic expectations, strong time management, and a commitment to balance.
“It’s intense, but not impossible,” she says. “Keeping a healthy work-life balance and setting goals early has helped me stay grounded. I always try to stay on top of my studies, but I also make time to recharge. That’s so important.”
Sophie has found the learning environment at Kootenay Columbia College to be deeply supportive. She speaks highly of the instructors, describing them as brilliant, knowledgeable, and passionate about the work they do.
“The instructors are amazing. They really know their material and they care about how we’re doing. And the supervisors in the clinic? Incredibly helpful—they’re right there to guide you as you learn hands-on skills,” she says.
She’s also found a sense of community among her peers. “Our cohort has really clicked. Everyone is respectful, encouraging, and just genuinely happy to be here. It’s such a positive environment.”
As for what comes next, Sophie is keeping her options open. After graduation, she’s considering working at a ski lodge to combine her passion for massage with a love of the mountains. Long-term, she dreams of teaming up with her mom to open a multidisciplinary clinic—blending acupuncture and massage into a space that reflects their shared values in holistic care. She’s also thinking about continuing her education in the future.
For now, she’s focused on building a strong foundation, one course and one client at a time. “Kootenay Columbia College has given me the tools, the support, and the confidence to see what’s possible,” Sophie says. “I’m excited to see where this path leads.”
