Myla Pereira – Health Care Assistant – Surrey
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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!”