In a world where big dreams can feel out of reach, some people do defy the odds and accomplish the seemingly impossible. At 27 years old, Mohanah Sagucio did just that.
Mohanah’s journey began in the Philippines, where she faced significant challenges. As an only child raised by a single mother, she learned the value of perseverance early on. “My mother raised me while working as a caregiver, often moving around to care for others. Her hard work was always aimed at providing me with a beautiful life.” Her mother’s sacrifice inspired Mohanah to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical technology in the Philippines.
At 21 years old, Mohanah moved to Canada just three months shy of finishing her final college internship, carrying with her a wealth of knowledge but also the weight of uncertainty.
Relocating to a new country came with many challenges. She had to assimilate to a new culture and start her studies all over again—a process that took a few years. “I didn’t have the finances to go back to school, and I was still adjusting,” Mohanah says. For her first few years living in Canada, Mohanah worked at two jobs, both unrelated to the medical field, and worked hard to save up for tuition.
Finding a new path at Stenberg
Eventually, Mohanah decided to pursue a field she previously excelled at. She enrolled in Stenberg College’s Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) program. This was a pivotal moment in Mohanah’s life—it meant starting a new chapter, doing what she loves. “For me, blood isn’t scary, it’s like water,” she says, reflecting on her passion for the field.
“For me, blood isn’t scary, it’s like water.”
Her enthusiasm for learning was evident throughout school. Her instructor, Nicolette Barker says, “Mohanah is so dedicated to her learning and demonstrated great professional growth in the MLA program. She is a superstar student in all areas, a team player who always contributed positively to her peers and was willing to share her knowledge with others.”
Mohanah’s other instructors too, were impressed by her hard work and compassion. Her instructor Jonathan Aquino says, “Mohanah embodies the spirit of resilience and kindness that every healthcare professional should aspire to. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and her genuine care for her patients sets her apart.”
Throughout the program, Mohanah gained hands-on experience in blood draws (taking blood samples from live patients). She often relied on friends and family to volunteer their arms, resulting in 75 successful draws. She owes a lot of what she learned to her instructors, “The instructors shared a lot of knowledge that’s still with me now,” she says. Mohanah completed her practicum at Surrey Memorial Hospital, where she put her knowledge to practice outside of the school environment. By the end of her practicum, her managers were so impressed that they hired her as an entry-level Medical Laboratory Assistant.
Hard work pays off
Now working at Surrey Memorial Hospital and officially graduated from Stenberg College, Mohanah’s hard work is paying off. She enjoys pursuing her passion while maintaining a stable career alongside peers who respect her knowledge. Her classmate Emily Kim says, “I witnessed firsthand Mohanah’s dedication and expertise in the field. Her guidance was invaluable to me and our peers. Her ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is a testament to her professionalism and passion for the work.”
Mohanah’s love for the job is so evident, as her compassion shines through in her interactions with patients. She recalls a moment during work when she connected deeply with a patient experiencing pain. “I communicated with her…she smiled at me because I cared,” she says, illustrating how a simple act of kindness can make a profound impact. These are the moments Mohanah loves the most about her job.
“I communicated with her…she smiled at me because I cared.”
Dreams do come true
As Mohanah plans for her graduation ceremony, she also looks forward to celebrating other personal milestones. She plans to get married in the next year or two, marking yet another significant milestone in her life.
At last, Mohanah is settling into the life she has worked so hard to build—one where she is surrounded by loved ones and can help others every day.
Mohanah’s story is a message of hope for those who may feel overwhelmed by their circumstances. “I want to share my story so that maybe it can help others reach their dreams like I did,” Mohanah says. Dreams do come true.
“I want to share my story so that maybe it can help others reach their dreams like I did”
