Ashia Forbes

I am currently a third-year student at Western Michigan University , majoring in Health and Human Services with a minor in Holistic Health. I transferred from the University of Michigan after realizing that Western offered the specialized program that aligns with both my passion and my career goals. Since beginning my studies, I have dedicated myself fully to academic excellence and personal growth, earning placement on the Dean’s List and induction into the honor society. These recognitions highlight not only my commitment to rigorous scholarship, but also my ability to balance academic success with entrepreneurial and personal endeavors.

My interest in holistic health and natural medicine stems from a personal healing journey. For years, I struggled with an undiagnosed skin condition that conventional medical approaches could not treat. After exhausting traditional options, I began researching natural remedies and holistic healing methods. Through trial, discipline, and a deep commitment to understanding how the body works in harmony with nature, I was able to completely heal myself. This experience was life changing. Not only did it inspire a passion for holistic medicine, but it also led me to launch my own skincare business, rooted in natural, plant-based ingredients. The success of this venture has reinforced my belief that nature offers powerful solutions for health and wellness when approached with both respect and knowledge.

Academically, my program in Holistic Health has allowed me to explore the science, philosophy, and practice of natural medicine. I have been able to integrate coursework with real-world application, combining classroom learning with my entrepreneurial efforts in skincare formulation and holistic wellness practices. This unique combination of lived experience, academic study, and professional initiative has shaped me into a student who is not only learning but also applying knowledge in meaningful ways.

Looking ahead, I plan to complete my undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University before pursuing graduate education at Bastyr University in San Francisco, California, one of the leading institutions for naturopathic medicine. My long-term vision is to open wellness clinics that make holistic, evidence-based treatments accessible to diverse communities. A key part of this vision is to advocate for the integration of holistic modalities into mainstream healthcare and to work toward insurance coverage for these treatments. Too often, natural medicine is excluded from healthcare access due to financial and systemic barriers, and I am determined to help change that reality.

My academic program has been profoundly relevant to both my personal journey and my future career goals. It has provided me with a foundation to deepen my knowledge, expand my entrepreneurial efforts, and prepare for graduate study. My achievements to date , academic honors, business creation, and personal healing, reflect resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to holistic health. I am motivated not only by my own experiences but also by a desire to bring healing, hope, and accessible natural medicine to others.