Hector Ruiz graduated from GateWay’s Massage Therapy program in 2017. But, like many other students, his path to GateWay wasn’t exactly the most conventional. “I served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years and retired as a Chief Aviation and Surface Warfare Specialist,” Ruiz said.
“After that,” he said, “I worked in law enforcement for six years.” It was only after an altercation with an inmate that left Hector with an injured back that he decided to leave the field.
“I had to have back surgery following the incident,” Ruiz said. “It took nearly a year of just rest and recovery to get back to normal.” And after a stint working at Luke Air Force Base’s fitness center, Hector found something of a calling.
“My decision to attend GateWay was mostly due to the video I watched on [GateWay’s] Massage Therapy website,” Ruiz said. “Mr. Tapscott explained the program, and he seemed very genuine and engaging – which he is!”
One part of the video struck a chord with Hector.
“I really liked the point he made of starting massaging on day one, and how his system of teaching was different than what you’d find at other schools,” Ruiz said.
Once Hector began his massage therapy schooling, some unexpected obstacles came to light.
“I was still working at the time, and late nights, too,” he said. “So, the biggest challenge I had was overcoming fatigue. But, luckily, the school’s extremely positive environment helped me through those days. That and coffee,” he said.
“If I have any advice for current students, even if they aren’t in the Massage Therapy program, it’s this: Have fun and enjoy your time at GateWay,” Ruiz said. “It will make learning so much easier!”
Today, Hector is enjoying his work as a Massage Therapist for a local chiropractor, stating, “I love being a licensed Massage Therapist, and GateWay made it all possible!”