“There’s always a way around every obstacle; you just need to find it.”

This is a statement that my advisor made during one of our first meetings. At the time, I didn’t realize how this statement would shape my journey in the HCA program. If they asked how I made it through, I would say that it was by finding a way around each obstacle I encountered. However, I wouldn’t have done this without the incredible support system I found in the DCC community. Every time I encountered moments when it seemed impossible to move forward, the DCC community was always there. From my instructors who consistently demonstrated patience, understanding and encouragement, to the directors who went out of their way to help me navigate the different challenges. Today, I look back on my HCA journey with immense gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. I am grateful to the entire DCC community and excited to carry the lessons from this journey into the next chapter of my life.

“My deepest thanks go to all the mentor care aides at Dufferin Care Centre, AgeCare Royal City, and Westminster House Retirement Community. For their patience, guidance, encouragement, and willingness to share their knowledge and practical experience with me. Each of them has contributed to my growth and helped me better understand what it means to provide safe, compassionate, and person-centered care. 

My sincere appreciation also goes to Discovery Community College for providing me with the opportunity to turn classroom knowledge into practical experience and prepare for my future career as a Health Care Assistant. 

A special thank-you goes to Gagan Dhingra, Interim Lower Mainland Manager/HCA/LPN Program Educator, for her leadership and support throughout my training journey; Kath Palafox, Health Sciences Placement Educator, for her coordination, guidance, and support during my practice experiences; and Anjali Sharma, Health Care Instructor, whose teaching, encouragement, and guidance have left a lasting impression on me. 

Becoming a competent, compassionate, and dedicated Health Care Assistant is my vision. 

With sincere gratitude and appreciation.”
Arnaud Niteka

“Completing the Health Care Assistant (HCA) program at Discovery Community College has been a very meaningful experience for me. Throughout the program, I learned many valuable skills and gained knowledge that I know I will carry with me throughout my career. I learned how to provide safe and compassionate care, support clients with their daily needs, respect their dignity and independence, and communicate effectively with clients, families, and healthcare professionals.

The program also helped me grow personally. I became more confident, patient, responsible, and understanding of what it truly means to work in healthcare. The knowledge and skills I gained have given me a strong foundation as I begin my career as an HCA.

Becoming an HCA will make a positive difference in my life because it gives me the opportunity to have a career where I can help and support others. I am excited to work with people, make a difference in their lives, and continue learning and growing in the healthcare field. Completing the program is something I am very proud of.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the combination of classroom learning and hands-on practical experience. The practical training helped me understand how to apply what I learned and made me feel more prepared and confident for working in a real healthcare environment.

I also want to mention how helpful and supportive everyone was throughout my program. Whenever I had questions or needed guidance, there was always someone willing to help. My instructors were patient, encouraging, and understanding, and their support helped me stay motivated even when the program became challenging. I truly appreciated the positive learning environment at Discovery Community College.

Overall, I am very grateful for my experience at Discovery Community College. Completing my HCA program was an important milestone for me, and I am thankful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read my feedback and thank you to everyone at Discovery Community College for helping me reach this goal. I will always appreciate the knowledge, skills, and experiences I gained during my time at the college.”

“The Health Care Assistant program changed my life and gave it a deeper sense of meaning.

Throughout the program, I gained valuable knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience that prepared me to support people with confidence, compassion, and respect. The combination of classroom learning, lab training, clinical placement, and home support practicum helped me understand not only the physical aspects of caregiving, but also the importance of preserving dignity, independence, and quality of life for every individual.

As I progressed through my placements and practicums, I became increasingly confident in my abilities. I learned how to support residents and clients with diverse needs, communicate effectively, solve problems, and provide person-centered care in a variety of healthcare settings. Every experience brought new challenges and opportunities to grow.

One of the most meaningful lessons I learned was that every person has a unique story, a lifetime of memories, experiences, and accomplishments that deserve to be honored and respected. Caring for others is about much more than assisting with daily tasks. It is about helping people feel valued, respected, and supported.

The most rewarding moments were seeing residents and clients smile, express their gratitude, and recognize the care and respect behind every interaction. Those experiences reminded me how meaningful and impactful a career in healthcare can be.

I am grateful for the support of my instructors, mentors, and classmates throughout this journey. The program not only prepared me for a career in healthcare but also helped me grow personally and discover a stronger sense of purpose.”

“My experience in the Community Support Worker program was incredibly positive and rewarding. Throughout the program, I gained valuable knowledge in client care, communication, mental health, and safety, while receiving ongoing support from my instructor and classmates. My practicum experience helped build my confidence, strengthened my skills, and confirmed my passion for helping others. Completing the program is an accomplishment I’m proud of, and it has encouraged me to continue growing in my career.”

“Becoming a Health Care Assistant gave me the opportunity to learn how to provide safe, compassionate care while supporting people with their daily needs. Through my training at Discovery Community College, I developed both the practical skills and confidence needed to succeed in healthcare.

The combination of classroom learning and hands-on training helped prepare me for real-world care environments. Practicing skills in a supportive setting allowed me to build confidence, learn from experienced instructors, and feel ready to begin my career as a Health Care Assistant.”

“I returned to school because I wanted more than just a career change. I wanted a meaningful path where I could make a positive difference in the lives of others while giving back to my community. Through the Health Care Assistant program at Discovery Community College, I gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide compassionate, respectful care.

Returning to the classroom came with challenges and moments of self-doubt, but the support of my instructors and classmates helped me discover strengths I never knew I had. DCC gave me more than an education. It gave me confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. My advice to anyone considering going back to school is simple: believe in yourself, embrace the challenge, and trust that growth happens outside your comfort zone.”

“Before returning to school, I worked as a Health Care Assistant and discovered how meaningful it is to support people during some of the most important moments of their lives. That experience inspired me to continue my education so I could expand my knowledge, take on greater responsibility, and make an even bigger difference in patient care.

My time at Discovery Community College was filled with growth, challenges, and opportunity. With the support of dedicated instructors and classmates, I built confidence in my abilities and developed the skills needed to begin my nursing career. Today, I am proud to be starting the next chapter of my journey at Comox Valley Hospital and carrying forward the compassion and commitment that inspired me to become a nurse.

“When I first started the Health Care Assistant program at Discovery Community College, I was nervous and unsure of what to expect. With the support of my instructors and classmates, I gradually built confidence in myself and discovered a passion for caring for others.

The program taught me much more than clinical skills. It helped me develop patience, compassion, and the confidence to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Through hands-on training and practical experience, I found my calling and gained the skills needed to begin a rewarding career in healthcare.”