Sajni Bhakta has been dancing for as long as she can remember. Encouraged by her mom, Sajni started classes when she was only 5 years old. And through every big life transition, it has provided a constant, meaningful way to connect with her culture, stay active and build relationships with others.
Today, Sajni attends dance workshops regularly, even with her busy life as a revenue integrity analyst for the System, wife, mom of a one-year-old son and more. She enjoys Bollywood dancing and Indian classical dancing—called Bharatanatyam—as well as learning new styles like Bollywood Fusion, BollyFemme or Bolly Hip Hop.
“These classes are like a support system,” she said. “It’s a way to meet new people in a safe environment without judgment and learn something new. It’s also a way to de-stress and express your feelings.”
Over the years, Sajni says dance has taught her invaluable lessons and helped her build skills like discipline, time management and leadership. “All of the things I’ve learned throughout my years of dancing go hand-in-hand and are transferable skills to what I enjoy doing in my work role, too,” she said.
Along with the skills learned through dance, Sajni has taken the opportunity to grow her professional skills by using the education benefits offered through Guild. Last year, she completed a program that fit her professional interests and schedule, and it was 100% covered.
She has also tapped into her medical benefits and the MyBSWHealth app to keep track of appointments and make life easier. When she had her son, the app helped her find a pediatrician’s office that worked for her family. “I used the search to figure out what was in a 5-mile or 10-mile radius because I really wanted something nearby,” she said.
Now that she’s settled into life as a mom, Sajni says she hopes to find even more ways to care for all aspects of her well-being—whether it’s going for a walk around her neighborhood, developing her professional skills or continuing to share her love of dancing with her growing son.
“When we put on music at home, he also wants to dance and gets happy,” she said. “Dancing has always been something I love to do for myself, but it’s also exciting to let my son see that part of me.”
For Johanna Swank, staying active involves the whole family. Outside of her role as an ER charge nurse at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lakeway, she and her husband are busy with their boys, ages 15 and 5. They love to exercise together, and most days, at least one of them is on the hockey rink.
Johanna’s husband grew up playing hockey all over the country. Eventually, their older son started playing. Then, their younger son and Johanna joined the fun. “I was at the ice rink five days a week watching them play hockey, and I’m the type who says, ‘Well, I want to try that,’” Johanna said. “So I told my husband I wanted to play too.”
Today, Johanna plays hockey regularly as part of a local league. Sometimes, she joins pick-up games, allowing her to play alongside her husband and older son. Hockey not only lets her spend time with her family but also provides a break from the busyness of everyday life.
“Sometimes, you feel overwhelmed or stressed, but when you step on that ice, your mind kind of shuts off in the best way,” she said. “All you’re worried about is playing the game.”
With such an active life, Johanna says her family makes the most of their medical and dental benefits. Her entire family is on the medical plan and sees the same primary care doctor. And she uses the MyBSWHealth app to keep track of their care.
“With hockey, we’ve had many injuries, so the app makes everything easy,” she said. “I can communicate with the doctors, make appointments and see any test results.”
Johanna has also used the app to find specialists, schedule acupuncture and get appointments when her family needed them fast. “It takes the stress off of me knowing that it’s so easy to make appointments and get in with any provider,” she said.
From checkups to working out to playing hockey, Johanna says being there for her family is what motivates her to keep making her health and active lifestyle a priority.
“My family is so active, and I want to be able to do these things with them even as I get older,” she said. “I want to be able to live a long, healthy life, and staying active and fit helps me do that.”
When it comes to traveling, Donald Steplight has a long bucket list. Sparked by his love of history, he recharges his well-being by traveling to new places and immersing himself in the local culture, food and history.
“Experiencing where I am and enjoying the moment gives me peace of mind,” he said. “It allows me to take a break from the normal and focus on what counts.”
Donald takes time off from his role as manager of change and employee experience to travel locally and abroad. His favorite destinations have included Rio and Rome, and he’s planning his next trip to Tokyo. But travel is also important to him because it’s a way to stay connected to his family.
As the youngest of seven siblings, he is the proud uncle of 13 nieces and nephews. Most of his family lives up north, so he often travels there. “There’s nothing like being at home and spending time with family,” he said.
During a recent trip to Spain, Donald also discovered how using the Discount Marketplace through BenefitHub could help him get the most out of his trips. When his hotel reservation was unexpectedly canceled, he used the site to find a last-minute discount and save 30% off his stay at another hotel.
Through the marketplace, Donald has found other deals, including ticket discounts, excursions and city passes for almost half the cost. And he likes how easy it is to use. With a few clicks, he can compare ratings and see the final cost.
“Whenever you go overseas, no matter if it’s 10, 20 or 30% off, every dollar counts,” he said. “I love that these discounts are for everyone. No matter your role in the organization, you have the opportunity to use these financial benefits.”
Along with taking advantage of deals and having patience and flexibility, Donald says travel has taught him never to hesitate to do the things you love. Whether it’s planning his next trip, going for a run or taking photos, he focuses on moments that bring him happiness.
“A lot of people say they’re going to travel later, or they put things off, but there’s no better time than the present,” he said. “Do the things that bring joy to your mind, body and soul.”
Carol San Juan met her husband, Joseph, when they were both working as nurses in the Philippines. There, she not only fell in love with him but also with his passion for running. The couple’s casual runs together turned into a powerful outlet to care for themselves and each other.
“Before we met, he was already doing marathons, and then I eventually fell in love with long-distance running, too,” she said. “Over time, the consistency and progress fostered motivation, and achieving goals together has brought us a deep sense of accomplishment.”
Since moving to Texas, the couple has participated in long-distance running events all over the state—with two more events planned at the end of the year. Carol competes in half-marathons, while Joseph runs marathons.
With busy careers as registered nurses at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, Carol says running has given the couple a way to stay healthy both physically and mentally. “As a nurse, I’m constantly reminded how quickly life can change,” she said. “These experiences are daily reminders that health is not just important; it’s life’s greatest investment and its truest form of wealth.”
Along with running, they’ve also found support for their well-being through the MyBSWHealth app. Carol has access to Joseph’s health records through Family Account Management, making it easy to keep all their healthcare needs organized in one place. She’s used the app to establish primary care, reschedule appointments and message her care team.
“I like the secure messaging, where you can discuss prescriptions or treatment plans directly with your doctor,” Carol said. “Whenever something’s on your mind, there’s no need to wait for another appointment to ask about it.”
As she looks to the future, Carol says the couple’s health benefits and the features on the app will support their health needs no matter what path they take next. And that gives them confidence to keep crushing their goals—whether in running, at work or in life.
“Crossing the finish line is a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage it took to stay the course when stopping felt easier,” she said. “It’s a lifestyle that brings me closer to myself, my goals and to the person who first encouraged me to chase them.”
