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Hi there, my name is Munit Karitya Naikar, and I am a Discovery Community College (DCC) Dental Assistant Level II Program alumni. During my time at the school, I have learned a couple of things that I wish I had known when I started the program, so I wrote them down for future students.

Clinical skills matter as much as the written aspect of the learning material. Meaning the time in the clinic is the only real practice you get before heading out into the work, so while in the clinic, use your time wisely. Work on things quickly, efficiently and get the hang of doing it properly.

At DCC, one of the major goals of the faculty is to get you prepared for the National Dental Assisting Examining Boards exam (NDAEB), which is the exam that certifies you to work in the country. One way they do that is in all tests and examinations, they bring up past learned material, so that way everything is fresh in your mind at the time of your exam as you have been reviewing it throughout the course. Be ready, just like the real-world past experiences come up.

The course is a wide door into the world of dentistry, the whole faculty, especially the instructors, make a giant effort to show you pathways that may have been taken from a CDA to other positions. They also introduce you to amazing people in the industry that will help you make connections, helping you in the long run. So, try, introduce yourself who knows how for it will take you.

Since the course is preparing you for the national exam, the test itself is largely based off the Modern Dental Assisting (MDA) textbook to make it fair nation-wide. In my opinion the MDA is “your bible” for the course. Make sure to use all the material that is given with it and double check your answers with your instructors.

Learn and understand rather than memorize the material. The best way to succeed in the course is to truly understand rather than simply repeating what is taught. I learned that the hard way that memorization can only take you so far. If something doesn’t make sense ask questions, use your office hours and study. Office hours are an amazing time to clarify and get help for difficult concepts.

Lastly, if you manage to take one thing from my little blurb let it be to have fun, make friends, make memories, do not stress and try. Through my time at DCC I have had many ups and downs but along with my certificate, I am taking a boatload of memories, and with friends that will last a lifetime. These friends helped me study and practice and are my biggest cheerleaders and one of the most important people to my success. Don’t stress you are in amazing hands at DCC. The instructors and faculty are an amazing bunch that will do wonders for you. Try, this is your future, and only you can make it happen. Best of luck from an alumni and welcome.”

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THIS IS MY STORY AS AN ADULT LEARNER…MY CHOICE AND MY JOURNEY”

My name is Myla Pereira, I’m a Health Care Assistant (HCAP) student from Haro Park Centre Society by VCH and currently studying Healthcare Assistant Course at Discovery Community College.

After learning from lots of colleagues from my previous workplace and other citizens about the HCAP Program and the demand of healthcare, I thought about it and decided to go for it.

Nobody is too old for school, and they say age is just a number. I’m glad I did. As an adult learner I felt hesitant and pressured but with the support of my husband and kids and having courage, determination and with commitment, I’m convinced that I can do it, my years of experience and the maturity that comes with it gave me the courage to be productive in the virtual classroom. After few interviews for HCAP, I got lucky enough to be accepted. At first, I worked as a Support Worker for two months as required as I waited for available seat in the school. While working as a Support Worker, I reflected and could picture that my future is bright for me because I had the qualities required for healthcare, which are being patient, kind, empathetic, compassionate, understanding, caring, supportive and a problem solver with critical thinking and with the help of our management and team members here I am, after 25 years, I’m humbled to be back to school at age of 50.

At first, I was worried, thinking about the challenge of advanced technology because I only have minimal basic computer skills, I had a doubt that I may not be able to keep up with technologies and expectation of the program. Other concern was being behind and if I could fit in with younger students. My first day was indeed challenging, exciting and fun.

At my age, I had the feeling of dissatisfaction and started to think more deeply about my retirement plan and how I’m doing financially. It may feel harder to make changes at 50s than in my younger years but it’s more than possible to have a fresh start. I believe that at this age, it’s never too late to restart/reboot myself to create and change a new career lane. My advantage being an adult learner is keeping my eyes open for any opportunity to gain and encourage myself to learn more knowledge grabbing every possible opportunity. I think as a matured learner, it’s easier to manage my time and I’m more realistic about pushing myself to study to achieve my mark/grade I want. I made sure that my assignments/homework are submitted on time as I always plan to avoid tight timing and can focus on my family and my studies the best I could.

Starting over as an adult learner takes effort and intention, but with the right people surrounding me, and support from the right school like DCC, I can begin to build the life I’ve always dreamed about. I can move forward by investing in myself. A six-month course can change my life if I maintain a healthy habit and by the grace of God, I can have a good 10 to 15 years run in

this career. I can still have lots of years of solid recession proof income and I don’t want to over think, I just want to do it, because it’s worth doing it.

Why It’s worth doing it as an adult learner:

Learning is a never-ending process; it’s a lifelong journey. It gives me a chance to show the value of education to my kids especially when I show them my exam and homework good results. As I learn more, I’m given more opportunities to launch myself into a better life than I have now. This healthcare programs can provide a jump start on my new career. Being in school virtually makes me happy too as I met new and interesting people. When I made my decision to return to school, I was reluctant to go back but after I did, I was finally happy because I was back on the right track. I know that it will help me learn to deal with the challenges and it will open doors and windows I would never have had access to otherwise. I stand by my choice to return to school, I didn’t go back because I thought I had to, but I wanted to.

Going to Discovery Community College was overall a much better experience. The virtual classes were interesting, well detailed agendas and group works were engaging for all. My experience during the admission was very professional and supportive. The assistance and teaching strategy from my instructor – Ms. Elena Zenzerova is highly appreciated. I had one-on-one connection with my instructor and other support staff like Mr. Nader, Ms. Deepali, Ms. Heather and others that didn’t require us to be in the same room. I was able to ask lots of questions and quickly receive the clarification and support I needed. I’m able to embrace the new technology and learned a lot from them, it was less stress for me. I also reflect that learning to become an ideal healthcare provider has taught me well and it gave me an advantage when I go back to work as registered HCA. I think positively of the healthcare program, it gains me a new level of knowledge, skills and understanding about the scope of practice in healthcare. To DCC Staff members, they are all amazing! I will highly recommend this school to my friends, previous colleagues and family based on my positive great experience.

My advice I can give to others who are interested in going back to school as an adult learner or changing their careers:

It’s never too late. Going back to school as an adult learner can feel intimidating. If you feel the fear because you’re from an “old school”, your feeling is valid. Overcome that fear and do it anyway. You just need to make sure that you’re genuinely interested in changing your lane, don’t do it just to earn money, instead, do it with your passion. You will never regret!”

“The Dental Assistant Level II program helped me become the best version of myself, both personally and professionally. The instructors were extremely supportive and always took the time to make sure students understood and felt confident in their skills. The staff and classmates created a welcoming, positive environment where everyone worked together and supported one another. Because of the guidance, encouragement, and hands-on training I received, I feel prepared for the workforce and excited about my future in dentistry. This program truly played a major role in helping me turn my dream into a reality.”

“I have nothing but positive things to say about this program through Discovery Community College in Campbell River.

I had the best classmates that now feel like family and a great instructor, Brennan Clark.  I feel confident in my education and my skills, and am excited for my future!

Thank you to the funders for this amazing experience, and allowing me to be part of it.”

“I would like to thank our funder.  This has been a wonderful experience for me.  Discovery Community College has been awesome.  They have helped me through this wonderful and at times challenging.

I will never forget their personal and selfless consideration.  I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity that was given to me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“My overall experience in school, clinicals, practical classes, and preceptorship has been truly rewarding!  I have gained valuable knowledge, skills, and confidence in providing quality care.  I’m deeply thankful to my instructors, preceptors, and classmates for their support and encouragement throughout this journey.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the funder for providing the opportunity and financial supports that made my study possible.  The experience has inspired me to continue serving others with compassion and dedication as a health care assistant.”

“I greatly enjoyed the Health Care Assistant program.  Thank you for the support and helping me start my career.  I felt supported throughout the program and respected as a student.

I want to give a special thank-you to our instructor Brennan.  I have never enjoyed school, and have always struggled with it and was very nervous to start.  Brennan always encouraged me and pushed me to be the best care aide I could be, and I don’t think I could have done as well as I did without him.

Thank you to Discovery Community College for the experience!  I’ll carry it with me forever.  Thank you to the funders, as it wouldn’t have been possible without the help you provided.”

“I very much enjoyed being part of this great program and having a great start into my career!

I felt very supported throughout the program and am forever grateful for this amazing experience, and it is something I will remember for the rest of my life.  I have learned so much in the last 8 months and I will carry these skills with me throughout my career paths.

I have made so many long lasting friendships through this program and my instructor Brennan went above and beyond to ensure we felt good and were confident in our skills as he is an amazing instructor.

Thank you so much to the funders for this experience.”

“My experience taking the Health Care Assistant (HCAP) course through Discovery Community College here in Campbell River was amazing.  I did not think I would enjoy the theory online portion being at home, however; I found it to be very informative.  Gaining that knowledge has taught me a lot of information about myself and gave me the skills I will need to make me a great care aide.

We had 53 students from across the island that I have made some lasting friendships with.  After four and a half months with Elena as our online instructor, we then went to the college campus in Campbell River for our labs portion, we had nurse Brennan Clark who also was an amazing instructor.

We finished the labs portion of course and were placed in facility to do our clinicals portions.

I want to thank the funders for helping me to achieve my qualification becoming a registered care aide.”