Charlotte's Professional Career Timeline by Charlotte Brzozowski

Major in Sport Communication and Media at Miami University

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 16:38:24 UTC

I’ve chosen to major in Sport Communication and Media at Miami University. This major helps me develop communication and leadership skills that will be important for my primary job, but also just as important to be a yoga instructor. I want to keep yoga as a side gig while working in sports media, allowing me to combine my love for both fields.

Join Relevant Campus Clubs and Organizations

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:13:55 UTC

While at Miami, I’ll join Miami's Yoga and Meditation Club, as well as other clubs for my major. These clubs will help me hone leadership skills, build community, and stay connected with people who share my passion for health and fitness. They’ll also give me the chance to start networking early.

Take Health and Wellness-Related Classes

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:24:30 UTC

Even though I’m sticking with my major, I plan to take elective classes focused on health, wellness, and mindfulness. Physical Activity and Health has been so interesting and beneficial to my everyday life, and I plan on taking courses like Anatomy, psychology, or Exercise Prescription to strengthen my understanding of the mind-body connection, making me a more informed and effective yoga teacher.

Commit to My Own Yoga Practice

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:24:54 UTC

Yoga is already a part of my life, but I want to make it a consistent practice, attending classes 3–4 times a week at the Rec Center. I have a class pass, but want to specifically hone in on yoga. This will help me deepen my understanding of poses, sequences, and the overall philosophy of yoga. Plus, it’s a great way to take care of my body and mind in college. (Don't worry, I will still get my 150 minutes/week of vigorous-intensity workouts in:))

Complete a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:25:17 UTC

After graduating, I plan to enroll in CorePower Yoga’s 200-hour teacher training program. This will give me the hands-on experience and certification I need to start teaching. After researching, I found that the teacher training programs are flexible for those with a busy schedule. While a certain number of hours are required live, virtual sessions are also accessible through recordings that can be watched at a later time. The program must be completed within 1 year of starting to receive my certificate. This program will work perfectly with my overall life plans because I would be able to get a job within sports, while also training to be an instructor.

Attend Yoga Retreats and Workshops

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:25:38 UTC

I’d love to attend yoga and meditation retreats, either during holiday breaks or as part of my summer plans. Specifically, I was looking into Midwest Yoga at Soul Farm. They have two night, moon-yoga retreats. A Midwest Yoga retreat at Soul Farm "takes advantage of a natural, rural, midwest farm environment to help us reconnect to our ecosystem, both outside of us and within." These immersive experiences will not only deepen my practice but also teach me new techniques and philosophies I can incorporate into my teaching. I also just think it would be a very cool and enjoyable experience, and I would go with my Mom, or best friend Annie.

Get a Job at Core Power Yoga

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:26:00 UTC

After becoming certified and well-skilled, I plan to apply for a position at CorePower and secure a job as a yoga instructor. CorePower, the largest yoga chain in the country, currently operates 200 locations across 23 states. As described by The New York Times, yoga teachers are “part personal trainers and part therapists. Yoga teachers touch us gently when we are pouring sweat. They free us from our phones and the rub of zippers (at least for an hour). They inspire us to lose weight while never mentioning it. They bring peace.” This deeply resonates with me. I want to inspire others, create a sense of community, and help people become the best version of themselves.

Register with Yoga Alliance

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:26:25 UTC

Once I complete my 200-hour training, I’ll register my certification with Yoga Alliance. This organization works with CorePower and other yoga studios to uphold the highest ethical standards in yoga instruction, fostering a more equitable and harmonious community. Becoming certified through Yoga Alliance will make it easier to secure teaching roles, whether at CorePower or elsewhere, and it ensures I can teach anytime, anywhere. It’s also a great way to establish myself as a professional yoga instructor, rather than being exclusively associated with one studio like CorePower.

Create a Personal Brand

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:26:42 UTC

With my background in sports communication, I plan to build a personal brand. Using social media, I will share my yoga journey, healthy habits, and tips for maintaining balance in life. Drawing inspiration from Christine Trainer, I aim to create a similar online presence by teaching habits, offering practical advice, and sharing strategies for balancing wellness with a busy career. I hope to use my platform to connect with the yoga community (and sports community), attract teaching opportunities, and inspire my students to grow into healthier, more balanced versions of themselves - all while demonstrating how I balance my wellness with working in sports and pursuing my passions.

Intern with Christine Trainer, a Board-Certified Integrative Health and Wellness Coach.

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:26:57 UTC

During one of my summers in college, I would love to intern with Christine Trainer, a Board-Certified Integrative Health and Wellness Coach. She is an inspirational figure whose work includes teaching habits, Grace Mantras, creating convenient shopping lists, sharing healthy recipes, and educating about essential oils. I have always admired her passion for health and wellness, and when I lived at home, I attended her yoga classes daily, which had a significant impact on me. Interning with her would be an incredible opportunity to learn about her daily work and how she inspires others to live healthier, more balanced lives.

Balance Yoga with a Full-Time Career

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:27:18 UTC

Yoga instruction will always be a side gig for me, as my primary career goal is to work full-time in sports media. However, teaching yoga is less about income and more about inspiring myself and others to care for our bodies and find moments to pause from the outside world. Whether leading early morning or evening classes, teaching yoga will allow me to stay active, and build meaningful connections. It’s the perfect balance between pursuing my career while including my passion for fitness and wellness. To add, it's also a way in my life to make a positive impact on others while enjoying something I love.

Continue Teaching While Raising a Family

brzozoce — 2024-11-20 18:27:37 UTC

One of the things I love most about yoga, specifically working with Core Power is its flexibility. Even after I start a family, I’ll still be able to teach yoga as a way to stay connected to my practice, inspire others, and maintain my own wellness. Whether it’s a couple of classes a week or more during certain seasons, yoga is something I can do for the rest of my life.