Every morning, Kamilah’s brother checks in—not just with small talk, but with purpose. Some days, he quizzes her on course material. Before exams, he volunteers as her practice client. Other times, he sends affirmations and reminders that she’s capable. That support began long before she entered Mohawk College’s Massage Therapy program.
When Kamilah’s full-time rehabilitation therapy job was reduced to casual hours, she found herself unsure of what came next. Her brother’s steady belief helped her see a new path. A Mohawk College graduate himself, he thought the Massage Therapy program aligned with Kamilah’s strengths.
Now, despite numerous obstacles, Kamilah is channelling that constant encouragement into resilience and an enterprising approach to building her career.
“I was reluctant [to join the program], as I had little experience with massage,” she says. “After conducting some research, I took a leap of faith, reasoning that the worst outcome would be discovering it wasn’t for me, allowing me to pursue another path. I’ve discovered a genuine passion for massage therapy. The program has proven to be an excellent match for my aspirations.”
Industry-led training in action
With a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Kamilah already understood the importance of helping people heal. The Massage Therapy program is building on that foundation by preparing her to assess and treat soft-tissue and joint dysfunction through hands-on techniques, remedial exercise plans and client education.
At Mohawk College, career preparation doesn’t stay in the classroom. Students gain practical experience through industry-led learning that includes lab simulations, real-world practice in a student clinic and community outreach. The opportunities expose them to a wide range of clients.
“I got to work with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats doing massages, and I think that’s a field that I want to be in, working with athletes, because I used to be athletic myself,” Kamilah says. “…We also work with the elderly, individuals [who have suffered] strokes, individuals in hospice, so I think Mohawk does a really good job with making sure that they integrate us into many different environments.”
Resilience and growth
Kamilah’s journey has required more than active participation and strong study habits. Alongside her coursework, she’s managed multiple jobs, learned to budget for the first time, and pursued scholarships (earning several) to help her stay on track. She has also learned to see her ADHD as an advantage rather than a barrier.
“With my ADHD, I’m very curious,” she says. “So, it’s allowed me to do more research and be more curious. Other students in the program have it as well, so … we all help each other out.” Still, the hardest moment came with the passing of her grandfather, one of Kamilah’s biggest supporters. The loss hit hard and nearly caused her to pause her studies before her third semester. But, remembering what he wanted for her—and with her brother urging her forward—Kamilah decided to return and finish what she started.
“Even through those challenges, I’ve managed to stay focused, keep going and continue working toward my goal,” she says, adding, “I am profoundly thankful for my brother’s unwavering belief in my potential. Without his guidance and encouragement, I would not be where I am today.”
As she looks ahead to completing the program, Kamilah’s enterprising drive has kept her on the Dean’s List, and the overall Mohawk College experience has strengthened her sense of competence, self-assurance and empathy.
“My goal isn’t just to graduate—it’s to succeed in this program, make my family proud and build a career I truly love,” she says. “It feels amazing to be so close to turning something I’m passionate about into a reality.”
Posted January 7, 2026
