Mahboobeh Eslamisamani is one of those rare human beings who dedicates their life to helping others. “I’m passionate about being there for my friends, family, neighbours, everyone,” she says. Dedicated to improving the lives of those around her, it was natural for Mahboobeh to choose a career where she could help people… and then choose it again, over a decade later.
Born in Iran, Mahboobeh grew up in a loving family, graduating with a degree in Biology, and began working in a medical lab. Mahboobeh performed the duties of a Medical Lab Technologist (MLT) and a Medical Lab Assistant (MLA), saying, “I did everything from taking blood to running analysis.”
She had a respected career, a comfortable life, and was happily married to a civil engineer named Mehdi.
I’m passionate about being there for my friends, family, neighbours, everyone.
A NEW BEGINNING
Life was good for the couple in Iran but a visit with family in Canada changed their life direction: they fell in love with the country as their future home and moved shortly thereafter. When Mahboobeh became pregnant, she chose to stay home and support her family. “It was important to us that our young children had a parent at home. It wasn’t easy, but we made it work. My husband studied at BCIT so he could continue his career as a civil engineer.” After giving birth to their second child, Mahboobeh knew that soon enough, she and the children would all go to school.
SOMEONE WHO IS BRAVE
As new immigrants, life was difficult for the young family. “English is not my mother language, it was hard. I was worried people would laugh at me,” says Mahboobeh.
Her worry changed as Mahboobeh started forming a community around the family, and as her confidence grew. “I started going to community centres, parks, playgrounds, everywhere. I started talking to people and made friends. Most people are kind.”
Mahboobeh had no family or friends when she arrived. A decade later, that is no longer the case. A loving group of people surround her. Many are eager to speak of her kindness, support, and caring nature. Mahboobeh is a pillar of compassion for her friends and loved ones. When her boys were old enough and it was time to go back to school, she brought that energy and care with her.
“I found the Stenberg College Medical Lab Assistant program and realized I could once again have the career I loved. The program is online, which worked for my family.” After speaking with a program advisor, Mahboobeh was convinced of the decision. “My advisor was kind and calm. I was nervous to speak on the phone because of my English, but she put me at ease. We talked for over 20 minutes and at the end she said I had done a great job.”
Mahboobeh is caring and was who I went to for support… She makes people smile and brought positivity to class.
SOMEONE WHO HELPS
When online classes began, Mahboobeh had to push herself toward success. “At first, I was too shy to speak and typed everything. After a few sessions, my confidence grew, and I was talking a lot!”
Mahboobeh became a leader in the class. Her classmate Jason says, “Mahboobeh is caring and was who I went to for support. Whenever she saw someone struggling, she helped them. She makes people smile and brought positivity to class.”
The online program allowed her to support her family while rediscovering the career she adored. Says Mahboobeh, “I loved everything about the program; it was perfect.”
I loved everything about the program; it was perfect.
Though Mahboobeh had years of experience working in the field when she was attending her Stenberg classes, she remained humble and eager to learn. Her lab instructor, Kathy Dyck, says, “Mahboobeh was always receptive to feedback. It was clear how much she cared for her patients.”
Instructor Jonathan Aquino says, “She is a natural leader and connected with people easily. She is kind, compassionate, hardworking, and her bedside manner was exemplary!” Remarkably, despite her initial worry about her language skills, Mahboobeh achieved a 96% grade point average.
SOMEONE WHO SUCCEEDED
Wherever Mahboobeh goes, people recognize how special she is. On her last day of practicum at Ridge Meadows Hospital, she was called into the manager’s office. She worried, “Oh no, what did I do?” The manager offered her a job. She finished her practicum on a Friday and started her new job the following Monday.
Today, Mahboobeh continues to work at Ridge Meadows Hospital. After moving to a new country and starting over, she has achieved so much. Mahboobeh is once again working in the career she loves, her husband is an engineer at Simon Fraser University, her boys are happy and healthy, and they recently purchased their first home. Life is perfect.
