“I’ve known I had wanted to take the Health Care Aide program since I was a young teen, so when I heard about the opportunity through Kindale community futures and funding from the Community Workforce Response Grant, I took it. When I enrolled, my goal was to be able to work one on one with seniors and educate myself better on how I can best support them. I have been working with seniors for years, and while I am passionate about this field, I felt like I wanted to gain further experience and knowledge, so that I could better support the seniors in our community.

Before going to school, I was doing private work as a community support worker and care aide, as well as working in a senior’s home assisting with housekeeping, meal times, and recreational activities. I needed to be more confident in myself, as I struggled with low self esteem. I was also painfully shy, struggled using my voice, and didn’t know how to properly vouch for others. I overcame this, as I came to the realization that my patients feed from the energy that we give, and so I wanted to be able to give them the best version of myself. Being in a school program really helped me overcome these barriers, as I learned how to be not only more confident and use my voice, but also meet every situation and individual with empathy and compassion, regardless of the situation.

While I am very grateful for Discovery Community College for giving me the opportunity to do my dream job, the overall experience put a lot of extra stress and anxiety in my life, as I did not feel like I was given the proper accommodations or supports I needed. As a result of this, I felt like I was at a disadvantage from my classmates and felt as though I did not always receive a fair grade.

Overall, I am most proud of how I came out of this course stronger, and with the ability to reflect on how much I’ve grown. Whether you have a learning disability, or various trauma, you are still capable of completing this course, going to school, and having a purpose. You may face difficult times in school, but in the end, those difficult moments are where you find your strength.

Thank you to everyone involved in helping me succeed.”

“As a newcomer to Canada, studying was not easy at first because of cultural differences. Over time, I connected well with my instructors and fellow students, and the learning experience became very positive. I am thankful to my instructors for their support and guidance.”

“Since attending Discovery Community College, I have achieved significant personal, academic, and professional growth. The program has strengthened my understanding of healthcare principles and helped me develop the practical skills required to work confidently and safely in a care setting.

Through my studies, I have successfully completed both classroom learning and hands-on training, which improved my ability to support residents with daily living activities while maintaining dignity, privacy, and respect. I gained a strong understanding of infection control, resident safety, communication, and ethical responsibilities as a Health care Assistant. These skills have increased my confidence in providing quality, person-centered care.

Discovery Community College also helped me improve my communication and teamwork skills. Working with instructors and classmates from diverse backgrounds taught me how to collaborate effectively, follow instructions carefully, and adapt to different situations. I learned the importance of professionalism, time management, and accountability in healthcare environments.

As a result of my training, I feel well prepared for employment in long-term care and assisted living settings. I have successfully applied my learning during practical experiences and interviews, where employers recognized my positive attitude, professionalism, and commitment to resident care. Attending Discovery Community College has played a key role in preparing me for a meaningful career in healthcare and has motivated me to continue growing as a compassionate and reliable Health care Assistant.”

“Hello, my name is Meron. I am a Health Care Assistant graduate.
When I came to Canada, English was hard for me.
School was not easy, but I worked hard and did not give up.
Today, I am proud of myself.
Thank you to my teachers and classmates.
If I can do it, you can do it too.”

“My name is Medhanie Abrha, and I came to Canada in late 2024 with the hope of building a better future for myself and my family. Shortly after arriving, I made the decision to pursue my passion for caring for others by enrolling in the Health Care Assistant (HCA) program.

Returning to school after many years was not easy. Adjusting to a new education system, a new culture, and studying alongside people from many different backgrounds was challenging at first. There were moments when the journey felt overwhelming, but with patience, determination, and hard work, I learned to adapt and grow. This experience taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of perseverance.

I am deeply grateful for the continuous support and guidance of our instructor, whose encouragement, understanding, and dedication made a meaningful difference in my learning experience. Their support helped create a positive and inclusive learning environment where I felt respected and motivated to succeed.
I would also like to sincerely thank the college for providing this opportunity and for offering a supportive space for newcomers like myself. My heartfelt thanks go to my classmates as well, whose teamwork, kindness, and shared experiences made this journey memorable and rewarding. Learning together with people from different cultures enriched my understanding and strengthened my communication and collaboration skills.

Completing the HCA program is a significant milestone in my life. It has prepared me not only with professional skills, but also with compassion and confidence to serve others. I am proud of how far I have come, and I look forward to continuing my journey in healthcare, giving compassionate and respectful care to those in need.”

“I chose to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) because I’ve always had a strong desire to care for others and make a positive difference in the lives of people. Going into nursing felt like a natural path for me as it’s one where care, compassion, empathy, and skill all come together to provide comfort and support to those who are in need. I was most drawn to the LPN role specifically because it allows me to enter the nursing field relatively quickly while gaining such valuable hands-on experience in a variety of settings. The ability to build meaningful connections with patients and be a part of their healing journey has only deepened my commitment to the nursing profession. For me, becoming an LPN was always more than just a job, it was a calling.

My experience in the Practical Nursing program at Discovery College was both challenging and rewarding. In all honesty in the first year I really struggled, there were so many times I wanted to walk away and give up, but I didn’t because I know this is what I am meant to do. There were some real moments of intense pressure, especially during clinicals and exams, but those experiences pushed me to grow not only academically but also on a personal level. This program taught me to manage my time, stay focused, and lean on my classmates for support when needed. Our class really became a tight knit team. I made strong friendships here that I’ll carry forward with me. The hands-on training and real-life scenarios helped me build the confidence and skills I needed to take my first steps into the nursing field. Even though it was far from being easy, every late night of studying and every early morning was worth it because it prepared me to do the work, I’m so passionate about. My instructors supported me while also pushing me out of my comfort zone, this experience caused me to grow immensely.

The Practical Nursing program at Discovery College played a major role in helping me reach my goal of successfully obtaining a position with Island Health. It gave me the strong foundation I needed both in practical skills and theoretical nursing knowledge to feel confident stepping into a professional health care environment. The clinical placements allowed me to experience real life situations, develop critical thinking, time management and learn how to work as part of the health care team. I built strong, supportive relationships with my instructors who encouraged and were there to guide me along the way. All the preparation I had made me feel ready for when the opportunity at NRGH came along, and I truly believe the hard work and dedication I showed throughout this program helped me stand out as a candidate for the job.”

I couldn’t be happier with my experience!

The program was incredibly cohesive, combining both classroom and clinical skills. I genuinely felt supported by our instructor, Carolyn who cared about our success!

Their curriculum was well organized and covered everything required for the boards and the practicum was a game-changer!

They even have modules which helped me to polish my resume, prepared me for interviews, and even connected me with local dental offices.

Thanks to their support, I had a job lined up before I even graduated!

I would like to take a moment to share my feedback regarding my experience with my instructors and my advisor Zoe Chopra during my time at Discovery Community College.

Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for their dedication and support throughout my studies. Instructor’s approach to courses was incredibly helpful, and I particularly appreciated clarity of instruction, responsiveness, or guidance in academic or career planning.

Overall, I am grateful for the guidance my advisor provided me to start the dental reception program, and I truly appreciate all the knowledge which my instructors shared that helped me in getting my job from practicum place.

I am very happy with Discovery Community College’s services!

At 51 years old I never envisioned returning to school, but life brings us opportunities that if you are brave enough to search for and follow through with, even mature individuals can accomplish remarkable things. “Find the job that you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Early 2024 I was at a fork in the road. I could continue to struggle with my small business or find something new. I had a few friends comment that I should investigate being a care aid as the demand is high. I was also navigating my way through getting help for a family member who was living with dementia.

After a bit of research, I decided that I wanted to see what the process would be. I tried to get information about different colleges and even the HCAP program. I finally connected with Cindy at DCC in the Nanaimo campus. I met with her to get information and a few hours later, I walked out enrolled in the program.

I was 51 and going back to school, it had been a very long time since I left high school. I was terrified! I would not only be with younger students, but it was also going to be a virtual classroom. My computer skills were ok, but this was something above my skill level. All the online instructors were fantastic. Heather helping a classroom navigate the virtual setting. For many it was their first time using a computer. She always had a smile on her face and patience in her voice.

Sherry spent months teaching a diverse range of students. She was understanding, passionate, and made it her goal to have a large group of students ready to succeed in their new careers. The knowledge I received in her classes helped me personally deal with the situations with my mother and allowed me to continue and eventually graduate.

Kandace, the clinical instructor, was amazing. She taught me more than just the practical parts but showed how to vary how we deal with the diverseness of individuals, both personally and professionally.

Marilyn got us ready for getting careers. Thank you, Cindy, Heather, Sherry, Kandace, and Marilyn!  The campus employees are helpful and supportive, Colin you answer questions like a rock star!  I am ready to start my journey with more than just new practical experiences but also personal ones.