ACADEMIC Degree Programs

Won Institute Student Ambassadors

Connect with current students who have first-hand experience with our school.

Our Student Ambassador Program

The Won Student Ambassador Program is a leadership and student service program that offers Won Institute students an opportunity to represent and promote the Won Institute to prospective students, patients, and the local community through internal and external events and initiatives. Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. For questions and more information email [email protected].

 

Why Become A Won Student Ambassador?

Mission/Goals

• Create connections with prospective students, patients and the local community

• Engage with prospective students, answer questions, reassure and guide them during the program, especially during the first few weeks

• Foster a sense of community and belonging amongst prospective students

• Provide support to the school in recruitment and marketing initiatives and at events

Benefits & Incentives for Ambassadors

1. Students will be paid in the form of a stipend at the end of each term by the Finance Office 
2. Free exclusive Won Institute swag items: Won shirts, mugs, pens, etc.
3. Priority hiring for Won Institute job opportunities after graduation (TA’ing, clinic positions, etc).
4. Featured on Won Institute blog and student ambassadors webpage
5. Internal event discounts

For questions and more information email [email protected]

Meet Our Won Student Ambassadors

Marta Didukh

MAC Class of 2023
CCHM CLASS OF 2025

I first came to Won student acupuncture and herbal clinic as a patient. At the time, I was not experiencing results after working with my Ayurvedic, Naturopathic and Western practitioners. It was not until I met Won’s herb clinic supervisor, Elizabeth Liddell, who is currently my professor and practitioner, that I felt like I was in good hands. I was so intrigued by her and Won, that I decided to take her recommendation and transfer out of pharmacy school to study Chinese medicine at Won. The staff, students and vibes at Won reeled me in before I knew much about the profession. I grew up in a spiritual household and after learning that meditation was incorporated into every semester of the program, I felt like Won would be the perfect place to cultivate my spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing. As a third year acupuncture student and first year Chinese herbal student, I continue to be intrigued as to how much Chinese medicine has to offer.

"I like the vibes at Won, which feel grounded and centered, and I love that this is a spiritual school rooted in Won buddhism and meditation practice. Even though I am a busy student working through my third year acupuncture clinical internship and second semester of the herbal program."

Victoria Memos

DAC Class of 2025
CCHM CLASS OF 2025

I was exposed to acupuncture and herbal medicine around 6 years old through going to work with my gram. There she was a secretary working in a chiropractic and acupuncture office. Since then, I have been interested in the healing modalities that affected a person as a whole rather than a piece. As I continued to grow older, these modalities have always stuck with me and I chose to pursue a career in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. My goal as a practitioner is to be able to give my patients as much help and relief as possible, all while being someone in their lives that can listen to them without judgment.

My favorite thing about Won is meeting forever friends and amazing mentors.

Jhoanna Rae Marquez

dac class of 2025
CCHM CLASS OF 2025

My profession and career as a Physical Therapist for almost two decades now has been the greatest blessing from which I have grown and evolved into the practitioner I am now. It has set the stage for me to stay curious and eager to learn and improve my craft. It has provided me with a Western Medicine perspective which I find valuable in its own respect and has enlightened me in many ways that propelled my eagerness to find more holistic ways to bring healing to our bodies. The idea of studying Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine started when I met a colleague more than 10 years ago, and she was also a Physical Therapist and became an Acupuncturist. I strongly believe now that I’m almost two full years into my Acupuncture studies, that I have never felt so sure and validated that I’m on the right path. Learning about this ancient medicine that beautifully combines the science and art of healing the whole person has humbled me in so many ways beyond words can ever explain. I say this has really been more of a personal spiritual journey that feels like coming home to who I truly am, and that is the truest expression I can articulate of my becoming a future Acupuncturist through the Won Institute of Graduate Studies.

My favorite is being among my classmates who have become part of my existence. I honestly cannot imagine my life without them. I have learned with and beside them and the friendships that we have and continue to develop and deepen honestly feel familial which really amazes me.

Amy Ip

DAc Class of 2026
Student Council president

I was inspired to pursue a career in acupuncture and Chinese medicine when trying to get help with my own health issues. I was seen by various healthcare practitioners, and I was not getting any results or relief. I ended up trying acupuncture, and I felt a lot better just from the one treatment. Eventually, I kept going back to receive treatment, and my acupuncturist knew that I was very fascinated about it and began telling me about her wonderful experience at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies (her alma mater). I shortly began shadowing my acupuncturist to immerse myself in the field, and see if this was something I would like to pursue. After shadowing my acupuncturist, I quickly realized this was something I was passionate about. I have always been in the healthcare field, and helping others is what it very self-fulfilling to me. My goal is to be able to help others with Chinese medicine and acupuncture, just as it helped myself with my own health issues.

I enjoy having a small class size because whenever I am in the lab--it is always very accessible to find a teaching assistant or instructor when I have a question.

Christine Kaden

DAC Class of 2025

Ellie Canny

DAC Class of 2027

I have always been fascinated by Chinese medicine and acupuncture, however, my interest in this medicine grew since its amazing effects changed my health and well-being and I felt a calling to become a healer through acupuncture. My aspiration is to be a compassionate and open-minded practitioner who can make a difference in the lives of others. One of my fondest memories is attending Won’s open house and receiving so much kindness, love, and guidance during my first visit where I met wonderful people that I now call my friends and classmates.

"My favorite things about studying at the Won Institute are the serene, spiritual environment, the wonderful faculty, and staff, as well as the unlimited opportunities that are being offered for educational and personal growth."

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Monica McGrow

dac class of 2025

Monica embarked on her journey helping others with a master’s degree and certification in both elementary and special education. After 10 years of experience teaching in public schools, she could not help but notice the negative effects of stress on the mind and body among a growing number of close family members, friends, and colleagues. Drawn to acupuncture and its ability to help manage stress and its effects, Monica turned her efforts to helping people in a new capacity by applying to Won Institute of Graduate Studies, where she is completing her master’s degree in acupuncture in August 2024 and her doctorate in acupuncture in August 2025. In addition to providing heart-felt, patient-centered, and evidence-based integrative care, another one of Monica’s main goals is to increase acupuncture awareness and accessibility through increased education and visibility. 

"Won's program is comprehensive, covering Eastern and Western medicine; traditional Chinese medicine and 5 element acupuncture; as well as specialties such as auricular acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, Koryo-hand acupuncture, Shonishin pediatric acupuncture, and so much more.."

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Melissa Wolf

DAc Class of 2025

 I have experienced many friends, family and patients who have health or mobility issues. They do whatever they can to help themselves but they are still not getting better. In our world today it seems like copays, the cost of medications and lack of access to care are truly impacting the quality of life for many people. This medicine is a powerful resource to improve a person’s health in order to get their life back on track. It is a great experience to have professionals in the field teach us different skills and applications in different specialties from neuro acupuncture to fertility . Having a wide range of things to learn about keeps the process exciting. 

"I enjoy the beautiful meditation hall as well as being an intern in the student clinic. I also like having the opportunity to provide care at our off site clinics in the community."

Next Student Ambassadors' Recruitment - Fall 2024

Won Buddhist Studies Programs - Fall 2024 Final Deadline 8/1

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