I was working in food court services for 3 years and got allergic to smoke coming from oil and smell of beef. I was not able to work anymore in food court services. Coming from a background in customer service, I always enjoyed helping others but wanted a more meaningful career in healthcare. 

I was looking for Health Care Assistant course on Discovery Community College’s website and got connected with Career Advisor Cheikh Tow from the Surrey Campus. He explained me everything well about the course, and he helped to get everything in on time so I could start in April.  

We were helped to learn everything about the online setting of the class by Heather.  Sherry then took over as our online class instructor.  She did amazing job on teaching us as a group of 26 students.  

We moved to our labs and clinicals setting and our instructor Kandace was amazing. She always understands our situation and helped us to solve the problem. Whenever we asked for help, she was there to help us.  

We were finally graduated and ready to start new career. Marilyn, our college’s Employability Coach was ready to help us build amazing resumes and cover letters to get a job as soon as possible. 

I am very thankful to the whole staff at Discovery Community College!  Thank you Cheikh, Heather, Sherry, Kandace, and Marilyn! You are all amazing! 

I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and the healthcare aide program at Discovery Community College turned that passion into a rewarding career. The program was incredibly well-structured, offering a perfect balance between classroom learning and practical experience. The instructors and administration were knowledgeable and always available to provide guidance and support. They not only taught me the technical skills required to assist patients like performing hygiene tasks, measuring vital signs, and assisting with mobility but also helped me develop the interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of communication in caregiving. Patients often feel vulnerable, and clear, compassionate communication can make all the difference in their comfort and well-being. I also learned how to anticipate the needs of patients, which allows me to provide proactive care and foster trust.

I graduated with a strong understanding of caregiving techniques, safety protocols, and patient rights. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to pursue this path.

I have been working in the food service industry since coming to Canada 11 years ago. Wanting to change my career, I attended a career fair in Nanaimo. There’s when I found out about the Medical and Dental Office Management program that Discovery Community College was offering. This program gives a wide variety of job opportunities from working in a medical clinic, to dental clinic and even to a regular office.

The program was offered in an instructor-led online class setting. The instructors were all great, and I cannot thank them enough. From start to finish, they all took the time to help us in our whole journey of the program.

Currently, I am working at Northfield Dental Clinic as one of their Administrative Assistant/ Receptionist. I did my practicum in this office as well. They were pleased with how I managed the work assigned to me in a timely manner with professionalism, effective communication, and an excellent customer service approach. Before finishing my practicum, they offered me full time employment which I accepted without hesitation. With the training and education I received from Discovery Community College, I am confident that I will be successful!

When I originally applied for the Health Care Assistant program in 2021, I was accepted into a government-grant funded program seat.  Unfortunately, I had to put it on pause when daycare fell through for my son. Two years later, my advisor called with an opportunity to start the program over again. At that time, I was living in a hotel room and working part-time at a grocery store, wondering, “Am I going to make it?”

Fast forward, and I found myself passing my theory and entering labs at the same place I left off. I was terrified. Throughout this program, I discovered my strength as I faced losing my home, a separation, reduced working hours, major allergy attacks that hospitalized me, mental health issues, and injuries. Despite these challenges, I persevered and came out stronger. I could not be prouder of myself.

When people ask what I am most excited about after graduating from the Health Care Assistant program, my answer is being able to support myself and my son. I can now work towards the future instead of constantly worrying about today. I can give my son someone to look up to. I loved this program, and plan to continue my education towards a nursing degree.

I am grateful to my advisor for encouraging me to return. Now, I have the opportunity to build a career and provide for my family.

As I graduate from the Dental Assistant Level II program at Discovery Community College, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my adviser, Neeru Mann.  Her unwavering support and guidance throughout my studies were truly invaluable. Neeru always took the time to offer advice, answer questions, and provide encouragement whenever I needed it. Her dedication to my success made a huge difference in my journey, and I’m deeply grateful for all her help.

Thank you, Neeru, for being such an amazing mentor!

Working with Neeru has been a game-changer. Right from our first meeting, her expertise was clear, but what truly impressed me was her dedication to my success. She took the time to understand my goals and challenges, offering tailored advice that fit my situation perfectly. Neeru isn’t just an advisor—she’s a mentor who pushes me to think critically and step outside my comfort zone. Her insights have given me the confidence to navigate complex decisions, and I wholeheartedly recommend her. If you want someone who’s both professional and personable, Neeru is the advisor you need!

I discovered Discovery Community College (DCC) through weaving through my options online and decided to enroll in the Community Support Worker program. Their online schooling helped me balance full-time work and managing my mental health so I could be worry-free and calm.

My experience with DCC was very delightful, I met with Cindy, who helped me sort out financial aid options, and kept in touch with me through my entire schooling experience. All of my instructors approached us with nothing but kindness and compassion. I learned a lot from the curriculum and a lot of useful advice, tools, and ideas from the instructors who each had their own experience and personal advice towards a career in the community support work field.

Marilyn has been a delight to work with when figuring out my options for employment post-practicum and provided me with the Human Resources contact number at School District 68 (SD68). There were lots of follow-up with me to check in on my search for employment. She shared my excitement when I told her I got offered employment at SD68 and I can see that she truly cares deeply about the students at DCC and setting them up for the future.

Now I am looking forward to my time at SD68 and all the opportunities and connections it will bring. I am forever grateful for the staff at Discovery Community College for believing in me and motivating me to be the best student and now employee.

I have other Diplomas; I have had jobs in different fields. For a few years in my late 20’s, I was hired as a Community Support Worker in the downtown eastside, but I was told that I should get my diploma to find or keep work in the field. I ended up having more children and continuing to do other less meaningful jobs here and there.

Once enrolled in the Community Support Worker program at Discovery Community College, it was a big struggle and challenge for me. I tried my best and found strength in the projects I did and the questions I asked, learning more about the areas I have always been interested in, but now that I’m finished, I am looking forward to my future as a Community Support Worker.

I am so proud of myself!

I can whole heartedly say that taking this course was worth it!

I am an adult who spent the better part of my life raising kids and working jobs of all kinds. But there was always a constant: that I was always helping someone or showing support in or for my community.

I finally took a leap of faith on myself and came back to school. It was very scary for me at the age of 44 with a grade 8 education, but I knew I had what it took to learn the fundamentals and collect the proper tools to continue helping and supporting, creating the most beneficial outcome for the people in my community and for myself.

Discovery Community College allowed me to do that in an evening/weekend class, which is absolutely what made it possible for me to go back to school. I got to learn so much from so many people from all walks of life, and I was lucky to create some great connections with some really, great people.

We had three instructors, all very knowledgeable in their own way. Through the changes though I was able to continue learning and collecting tools through the books.

My practicum was amazing! The transition was made easy by Marilyn, who was quick to help set me up in the perfect placement. I was able to put my skills into play while continuously learning from the staff and members at my placement. At the end of my practicum, I was hired on to be part of the team.

What an amazing team! Thanks for helping me close this chapter and opening many new more.