Circling back to naturopathy
Amelia Hetherington was studying a medical science degree in Sydney when she realised her heart wasn’t in it. Instead, she opted for naturopathy and has never looked back.
“The irony is I had seen a naturopath for some health issues as a teen,” says Amelia Hetherington. “She helped me immensely with my health and, at 16, I even went to an Endeavour College of Natural Health Open Day. I still followed the conventional study path for medicine but eventually I circled back to naturopathy.”
Hetherington studied on campus for the first few years of her degree. “The campus has such good energy. Immediately I knew that it was where I wanted to be. In my first degree, students were there because they had to be. At Endeavour, natural health is everyone’s passion project, and they want to learn as much as they possibly can.”
Although Hetherington studied science in her previous degree, she still found she put a lot of hours into science in naturopathy. “I loved it so much, I just got on with it,” she said. “I was grateful that I already had a mentor in the naturopath who I’d seen since my teens. I also started the degree knowing I wanted to practise when I finished, so my purpose was clear.
I was so focused.”
COVID-19 hit during the last year of Hetherington’s degree, and she moved to online learning. “My experience was good. Learning online removed the travel stress and surprisingly brought me closer to my peers,” she said.
“Four years may seem like a long time, but it goes fast, especially if you’ve found your passion. I say to every student, ‘Make sure you suck as much knowledge as you can from your teachers and mentors while you’re at college.’ Once you’re in practice, you’ll still hear their voices as you work.”
While she studied, Hetherington worked in several natural health clinics in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. “I started by doing admin, which taught me about running a business and made the transition to working in the clinic much easier,” she said. “I set up my business, Amelia Botanica, so I was ready to seize opportunities straight out of college. I rented rooms in different spaces, but I’ve always had my own base.”
Hetherington lives a natural lifestyle. She loves being outdoors and surrounded by good people and good energy. Ultimately, she wants to make natural health more accessible, helping many people online to adopt healthier and happier lifestyles.
I start my day with …
A tall glass of warm apple cider vinegar water and tongue scraping followed by some stretching.
My workspace looks like …
A tidy desk piled high with textbooks, hot cacao and liquid herbal bottles.
On work–life balance …
Being able to switch off is such an important part of being your own boss. I try to turn my laptop and phone off at 5pm daily and jump in the ocean or the shower to wash the day off.
On success …
For me, success is hitting goals that I have set for myself and not by anyone else. To be successful it is integral that you feel confident in your achievements and make yourself proud.
On success …
For me, success is hitting goals that I have set for myself and not by anyone else. To be successful it is integral that you feel confident in your achievements and make yourself proud.
My night-time ritual …
Shower, a warming dinner, reading my book and chatting with my partner about our day. I also love making apple crumble in winter and enjoying eating that snuggled on the couch.
Where to say hello …
You can find me on my Instagram @ameliabotanica or on my website ameliabotanica.com.
For more, visit endeavour.edu.au
