B.S. in Nutrition Graduate, Current D.C. student, President of Student LIFEforce

“Finding Your Sunshine”

 

Ashley “Sunshine” Linton is the perfect example of thriving where you are planted while also being willing to take on new places and experiences. Linton was the first of her family to be born in the U.S., as a first-generation Jamaican American. She was born in Miami but has lived in Georgia since age four. Remembering her childhood, Linton described herself as “very hypersensitive,” often simply feeling like something wasn’t quite right. Then, in 9th grade, around age 14, she began to experience intense migraines and low back pain. After a few weeks of this, Linton pleaded with her mom to take her to a chiropractor, and it turned out she had mild scoliosis, compounded with tensions, stress and anxiety common for young women coming of age. And with what has become a familiar refrain among many future chiropractors, this initial experience sparked a lifelong interest in the chiropractic profession that has blossomed into a burgeoning career.

Within a few weeks, Linton felt and noticed tangible results, to the point where going to her chiropractor was a highlight of her week. She had been experiencing some mental health challenges, which she shared with her provider. As her physical symptoms began to subside, her mind began to heal as well, with reduced anxiety, better sleep and a prevailing feeling of hope. She wanted to pay it forward, to share about this joy with others.

To clarify her future career path, Linton participated in Rockdale Career Academy, an in-depth career exploration program offered at Rockdale High School. In the Health Care Science portion of the program, Linton and her classmates shadowed and explored different healthcare careers before picking a place to volunteer for 20 hours one semester as a project. Linton decided to work as a chiropractic assistant in her chiropractor’s office, Conyers Holistic. Through that experience, she not only began to see how her own care was progressing, but she also saw the profound power of healing that happened over time with patients. The fire was lit. She became more and more a fixture in the office as time allowed, first working twice a week as part of a work-based learning class before moving to two full days each week in her senior year. Feeling like she was taken under the wing of her local chiropractic office, the next step felt natural: to go get a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree at Life University (Life U).

Linton chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Life U as a foundational stepping stone in her pursuit of a D.C. degree.

“We must understand how it is to feed our body properly and get proper help nutritionally so that when the chiropractic thrust is delivered, our body is able to correct and heal at a faster rate because our biochemical makeup is at a more optimal state. And so that is why I chose to get a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition,” Linton said.

Linton has made a big impact in her time at Life U, earning the nickname “Sunshine” for her authentically cheerful demeanor and winning smile. Making a point to spread positivity and the message of Chiropractic, Linton has become heavily involved in the leadership of Student LIFEforce and now serves as its president. As an undergrad, she had worked in the Life U Shop, often interacting with LIFEforce students and doctors, wanting to learn more about what this active organization was all about.

In essence, LIFEforce and its student affiliate are designed to spread awareness and access to Chiropractic, with their motto stating, “We will not stop until everyone on the planet has access to chiropractic care and a chiropractic education if they so choose.” Student LIFEforce members volunteer at a wide variety of events, on and off campus, to connect with the chiropractic community. Student LIFEforce provides a platform for students to establish connections with LIFEforce doctors and develop their leadership skills.

Linton instantly connected with the message and mission of student LIFEforce, joining two years ago and working tirelessly alongside her student LIFEforce tribe to eventually be named as president. As a 7th quarter student, she has a good amount of time to grow into the role and figure out her next steps.

“My purpose is to allow for vulnerability, for culture, for diversifying the chiropractic profession, showing love to every single person around me and allowing them to see what Chiropractic truly is through my voice and through the knowledge that I have,” Linton said.

The future looks bright for “Sunshine” Linton as she continues to move forward and contemplate how best she can serve Lasting Purpose as a chiropractor. Currently, she is most interested in pediatrics, prenatal and family Chiropractic, particularly because of developmental needs arising in children and young populations.