Alumni Spotlight - Massage Therapy

Name: Shalo Greene
Position: Massage Therapist
Year: 2026
Employer: 
Major: Massage Therapy

• Why did you choose your major?
  I chose Massage Therapy because I believe in holistic health and the body’s ability to heal itself. Growing up, I saw older family members struggle with pain, and I knew I wanted to help people find relief and improve their quality of life.
• What advice would you give to students interested in your career path?
  Don’t let age, background, or circumstances hold you back. Stay consistent, ask for help when you need it, and believe in yourself. The journey may have challenges, but it is absolutely worth it.
• What was your overall experience at ACM?
  My experience has been life-changing. Returning to school later in life was intimidating, but my professors and classmates offered encouragement and support every step of the way. I’ve gained valuable skills, confidence, and meaningful connections that I will carry with me beyond graduation.

• Why would you recommend Allegany College of Maryland to future students? 
  ACM meets students where they are. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or returning to school after many years, ACM provides resources, guidance, and a supportive community that makes success possible.
• Did you apply for scholarships?
  Yes, I did. Scholarships have been a tremendous help, and I appreciate that ACM makes these opportunities accessible to all students.
• Additional Comments:
  I am motivated by the desire to help people. Knowing that I can make a real difference in someone’s life keeps me focused and inspired to keep learning and growing.

• Why did you choose your major?
  I chose to major in massage therapy because I have always been passionate about helping people feel better, both physically and mentally. I've seen how stress, pain, and tension can impact someone's quality of life, and I wanted to be part of a field that provides real, hands-on relief.
• What advice would you give to students interested in your career path?
  Stay organized and manage your time wisely. College comes with many responsibilities, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed if you fall behind. Don't be afraid to ask for help-whether it's from your instructors, classmates, or campus resources-because there are people who want to see you succeed. I would also say to get involved and make connections, because the relationships you build can be just as valuable as what you learn in the classroom. Most importantly, believe in yourself and stay focused on your goals, even when things get challenging.
• What was your overall experience at ACM?
  My experience at ACM has been amazing! The small class sizes have given me a chance to build strong connections with my fellow students and instructors, who are always willing to answer questions and provide guidance.

• Why would you recommend Allegany College of Maryland to future students? 
  Because ACM offers a high-quality education in a supportive, affordable environment. The small class sizes make it easy to connect with instructors and get the individual attention you need to succeed. There are also plenty of hands-on learning opportunities that prepare you for real-world careers, as well as strong transfer options if you plan to continue your education at a four-year school. On top of that, ACM offers generous scholarships and financial aid, which makes pursuing a degree much more affordable. It’s a college where you feel like part of a community, not just another student in a crowd.
• What motivates you, and why? 
  I am inspired by the idea that the skills I am learning at ACM will allow me to make a real difference in people's lives once I graduate.
  
  

• Why did you choose your major?
  I knew that I wanted to do something that could help people, and massage therapy looked like a great way to do that!
• What advice would you give to students interested in your career path?
  Don’t wait. Massage therapy is growing quickly and it offers so much diversity in all of the different directions you can take your career. 
• What was your overall experience at ACM?
  It was amazing! Everybody was so kind and helpful from my first day walking into the Everett campus to the day I graduated from the main campus. They really seemed to take an interest in the future of the individual.  

• Who was your favorite ACM Faculty/Staff member?  Why?
  That’s impossible to choose! All of my teachers were so unique in so many different ways. They each had such a passion for what they were teaching that it made it exciting to keep coming back and learning more! 
• What is your greatest achievement in your career?
  I would have to say that my greatest achievement so far is the progress I’ve made with one client in particular. I’ve seen such drastic changes through our sessions together that it’s really eye-opening to see the impact that regular massage can have on a person.
• Additional Comments:
  I would really like to point out once again how kind the faculty and staff were to me. I was amazed how quickly they learned my name, my major, my future goals, and really seemed to take an interest in seeing me succeed. They all showed such great support and it was truly a blessing.