William Rockhill

William Rockhill graduated from the Salt Lake City campus of the Utah College of Massage Therapy in December of 1994. William’s interest in massage therapy began in the summer of 1992 when he was stationed at a United States Naval base on the Island of Guam in the Marianas Islands. During a typhoon that passed over the island, William was injured and was worked on by a massage therapist in the Naval Hospital. Upon his return to Salt Lake City, William enrolled in the Professional Massage Therapy Program at UCMT. After graduation, he started what became a very successful private practice. William wrote the following regarding his introduction to massage therapy and his desire to become a therapist himself:

"Because all of the barracks and majority of the buildings on the base were built as typhoon shelters, my friends and I were able to watch the evolution of events from the barracks. The storm started at about 10:00 AM in the morning with rain and winds at about 90 mph. We all went out and played football on the grass because it was so much fun to run and slide so far. Eventually, security came along and told us to get indoors.

"Because the barracks were typhoon proof, everyone started to party and watch everything [else] blow down. When the winds were at 165 mph, a family was trying to drive their car from the base. We watched as a large palm tree fell down on top of their car. I and five of my fellow sailors immediately ran outside to help. We were able to lift the palm tree off the car. During that time, as I [helped lift the tree,] my combat boot slipped and I tore my lower back. As part of my rehabilitation at the Naval Hospital, I was introduced to a massage therapist.

"I did not even know this was a profession… after a series of sessions and learning about the income potential, it made a serious impression on me. I came home to Sandy, Utah a short time later… I was reading the paper; low and behold, there was a huge ad for UCMT. I called and inquired… after my initial meeting at the school, I thought I had died and found heaven.

"I made the decision to [pursue massage therapy] almost a year before starting my class. It was like something told me this was for me. I knew I was going to start school in June, and I was very nervous but very excited. I had experienced massages all over the world, but yet had no idea what to expect.

"I flew from Guam and arrived in Salt Lake [just] in time to go directly from the airport to school… After the first few days in class, I realized and observed that I was part of a special group of people. This feeling has never changed, and to this day remains the same. It surprised me to learn that I was the oldest person in the class. It was this fact and my new found attitude that really showed me my direction. In the military they order you to learn, but at UCMT the age difference in students became a motivational factor for me; students in their teens and [older students] had the same opportunities. This feeling of closeness between all of us really helped me take off the blinders of my physical and emotional feelings. There is not a person from my class that did not help of affect me. I love them all and will always remember them.

"It amazed me how we all grew from each other and helped each other attain our goal of touching. I have always been strong physically, but the spiritual side of me was lying in wait. The different modalities dealing with emotional and spiritual touching forever changed me. My first release in acupressure started a tidal wave of things in my life that I hope to give and share with anyone I can.

"I could not wait to get to class every day. There was so much to learn and so much to share…

"Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing health professions in the country and it is exciting to see the potential it has. My perception of massage changed immensely. There are so many avenues to take. I learned in school how important touch is and how people need this. From newborn babies to the aging, touch and caring go hand in hand. My granddaughter was a hands on baby for [the Infant Massage class;] I started to massage her then and to this day she wants and enjoys massage.

"I am leaving for South America in June for four months and when I return, my goal is to touch, care and work with youth and young adults. Massage therapy is in such a pilgrim stage that those of us who have received this gift of touch… can forge our own methods and protocols. The real neat thing about this learning and sharing is you can get paid for it. Wow!"