the power of their bodies’ innate ability to heal and thrive. I cannot wait to serve my community and make a positive impact on the lives of those I touch. Rylie Christy — Treasurer I was born and raised in Ohio. I am also the oldest of one brother and two sisters. College was always a dream, but being dyslexic made me think that college was out of reach. Growing up, I always knew I learned best from doing and seeing, not reading. Reading was a big struggle for me. Later, I met Dr. Michael Hollerbach, who became my chiropractor in my hometown. The more I visited him, the more I learned, and my passion grew. I talked to him about wanting to be a chiropractor but wasn’t sure because of my learning disability. He explained to me that Life U’s goal with students is to give them the most success, such as having plenty of study groups and clubs to help. On top of that, my family always encouraged me to hold on to that dream and go for it! I nervously gave it a shot, went to a Life Leadership Weekend and was accepted as a student at Life U. I might be a long way from home, but I am glad to call Life U my new home! Give, Do, Love and Serve, out of a Sense of Abundance, are words that have always stood out to me. Student LIFEforce has given me an entire community to grow with and become an example of these words. SLF reminds me of my “why” in my life, the “Why” of my becoming a chiropractor. SLF pushes your self-imposed limitations to help you grow with confidence. I am lucky to call this tribe my second family. Kieara Dawson — Social Media Coordinator My journey into the chiropractic profession began during my time as a Kinesiology major at Southeastern Louisiana University. After exploring various medical fields, I stumbled upon a type of doctor whose patients left with smiles, matched by the doctors’ own, reflecting their deep connection to the philosophy of Chiropractic. This unique and fulfilling approach to health care captivated me, leading me to pursue a career in Chiropractic. Serving on the Student LIFEforce Executive Board has been an incredible journey of growth and leadership for me. It has provided me with countless opportunities to put others first, fostering a sense of community and support among my peers. Through SLF, I have been able to connect with individuals who might not have considered a place for themselves in Chiropractic, offering them guidance and encouragement as they embark on their journeys. This role allows me to give back to the community and pay it forward to the next generation of chiropractors. The impact of SLF on my life has been profound, as it has honed my leadership skills and reinforced the importance of mentorship and inclusivity in my field. My why for being a chiropractor is deeply rooted in the joy and satisfaction I derive from helping others achieve wellness and seeing the transformative power of chiropractic care. The smile on patients’ faces and the sense of fulfillment I experience affirm my commitment to this path. Through my role on the SLF Executive Board, I am able to extend this passion by fostering a supportive and inclusive community, ensuring that the next generation of chiropractors are well- prepared and inspired to make a positive impact. Alex Bilter — Community Engagement During my second year of undergrad while pursuing nursing and working as a full-time nanny, I found Chiropractic because of the impact that it had on the children I was working with. I became a patient and experienced such a shift in health that it redefined what I believed my personal potential was. That led me to become a chiropractic advocate and eventually start working for that office. Not soon after, I decided to go to a Life Leadership Weekend (LLW) where I met Dr. Chuck Ribley, who poured philosophy into me. After listening to as much philosophy as I could find, I fell in love with the principles of Chiropractic. Life U’s focus on philosophy and welcoming environment was too good to ignore. I realized that I wanted to spend the rest of my life facilitating redefinitions of health for members of my community and encouraging them to experience more life! At LLW and as a student at Life U, I became interested in Student LIFEforce and joined the program because of the principles and community that I found and grew to love. I love SLF because it gives me the opportunity to serve my community and grow with passionate, like-minded individuals! It has truly been an honor to connect with alumni, students and community members and share with them our passions. SLF has been an incredible platform to pursue service and growth opportunities in a way that is unmatched. I feel we have a space to support the future of this profession and lead with our best foot forward as we move into our lives as practicing doctors. It brings me joy to know that I have the support of our LIFEforce community as I go into the world with Lasting Purpose in my heart. Kieara Dawson, Sunshine Linton, Marsha Phelima, Amber Douglass, and Alexis Holland Rylie Christy and Gracie Renner Alex Bilter 25 Alumni.life.edu | 2024
