Living in the small, peaceful town of Unity, Saskatchewan, Ashley Schumack always had big dreams. However, after the births of her three children, she set aside her goal of working in healthcare to devote everything to her family. Fast-forward ten years, with her kids now older, she knew she was ready to return to school, determined to prove that it’s never too late to become who you want to be.
In the beginning
Ashley always wanted to give back to her community. She dreamed of working in healthcare, possibly as a Psychologist. Ashley thrived as an honour roll student throughout high school, despite low self-confidence and social anxiety.
Ashley married her childhood sweetheart, Gary, and their family quickly grew in just three years, welcoming three beautiful children: Madison, Keira and Nathan. She became a stay-at-home mom, saying: “I wanted to devote everything to my kids.”
Financial demands increased as her children grew and became more involved in numerous sports and extracurricular activities. To support her family, Ashley found a position as a community pharmacy clerk at one of the two pharmacies in Unity, a community of just 2,500 people.
Finding passion in pharmacy
While working in the pharmacy as a clerk, her curiosity about medications led her to ask questions and learn more. “I was so interested in the medications and what they do and why they work the way they work,” she shared. Her interest and passion were rewarded, and she was promoted to Pharmacy Assistant.
“I was so interested in the medications and what they do and whythey work the way they work.”
Technician program
After three years working in the pharmacy, Ashley set her sights on becoming a Registered Pharmacy Technician: “I enjoyed life as a PharmacyAssistant, but I felt like it wasn’t enough. I loved my interactions with the patients and building those bonds with them. I felt a bit of a disconnect, not knowing enough or how to help them. I wanted that puzzle piece I was missing so that I could build stronger connections with them and help my community more.”
Not wanting to leave her family behind to attend school, she continued to set aside her aspiration of becoming a Registered Pharmacy Technician. Months passed and Ashley finally took the leap when she found Stenberg College’s online Pharmacy Technician program. With a renewed resolve, she began the journey of becoming a Pharmacy Technician, believing in her ability to achieve more.
In her element
Ashley excelled at Stenberg College. She grew, both personally and professionally, throughout the program, learning to overcome her anxiety and build confidence.
Sara Hoogland, Stenberg’s Pharmacy Technician Department Head, recognized Ashley’s dedication and hardwork in the program and wrote, “Ashley showed such a positive attitude with her learning experiences. She was a hard-working student and received positive comments from her preceptors. Ashley utilized her previous experiences in labs to help educate other students and contribute to lessons positively.” Classmate and fellow Student of the Year nominee, Julie Arnold, added, “Ashley strives for academic excellence. It was evident in her meticulous work ethic and ability to engage thoughtfully in group projects and discussions.”
“I enjoyed life as a Pharmacy Assistant, but I felt like it wasn’t enough. I loved my interactions with the patients and building those bonds with them… I wanted that puzzle piece I was missing so that I could build stronger connections with them and help my community more.”
Joan Dyck, one of Ashley’s patients, said, “Ashley is reliable and always courteous to her patients. She is knowledgeable and provides her patients with the information they need. Ashley always maintains a positive outlook and actively embraces opportunities for self-improvement.”
Sacrifice and determination
Although it was difficult to leave her family behind, Ashley made the trip to Surrey, B.C., for her in-person labs. “I made so many relationships here. I thought I was going to come to labs and not speak to anyone because of my social anxiety, but we became like family.” She smiles as she remembers celebrating all the little victories, “We would have suppers to celebrate passing an exam, or we would spend the day together at a sunflower festival.”
During her practicums, Ashley was fortunate to complete her community placement at a pharmacy located in her rural town. However, her hospital practicum was an hour away from home at the nearest hospital. Despite the distance, she drove an hour each way to complete her hospital practicum while balancing the demands of motherhood and her children’s extracurricular activities. She would not let anything get in the way of her dreams.
With the unwavering support of her husband and friends, Ashley graduated with an impressive 95% grade point average. “I’m realizing that I am capable, and I have support. I had so much support while I was in school. I had so many loved ones helping me. It was such an eye-opening experience to see that you’re not alone, and it’s not all on you.” Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “I want to be a role model for my kids. They look up to me like I’m Superwoman. Look what she can do!”
“You just have to do it, push yourself and believe in yourself. Maybe in the beginning, you have to fake it until you make it.”
Embracing the future with confidence
After passing the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada and the Jurisprudence Exams, Ashley says, with tearful eyes, “It’s the first time that I’ve ever been proud of myself, the first time.” Today, Ashley is a Registered Pharmacy Technician working at Delta Co-op pharmacy in Unity, proudly serving her community.
Ashley is exactly where she wants to be: surrounded by family, living in Unity, Saskatchewan, and giving back to her community. Her journey—from a little girl who lacked confidence to someone who is now unstoppable—is a true testament to her resilience, dedication, and passion. When asked what advice she would give others, Ashley says, “You just have to do it, push yourself and believe in yourself. Maybe in the beginning, you have to fake it until you make it.”
As for the future, whether it’s buying a pharmacy or becoming a Pharmacist, Ashley’s path is full of exciting possibilities.
