Born in Chilliwack, B.C., Sheri Goldie had a happy childhood. She didn’t have much growing up, but she was loved. And she loved to love. Her biggest dream was to become a stay-at-home mom with three kids. Kyson, Hadley and Grayden made that dream come true, and twelve years later, she discovered another dream in healthcare.
Sheri’s first dream
Sheri’s parents separated when she was young, officially divorcing when she was five. Her mother supported her and her sister, working hard but earning low wages, and her father was away as a long-haul driver. Although Sheri has fond childhood memories, she always imagined the perfect white-picket fence family. At 14, she wanted that as her future. Sheri explains, “Being a stay-at-home mom was my biggest dream.”
Little house on Grande Prairie
After high school, Sheri worked as a store manager at the mall, where she met Chad. They married and eventually moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta. Sheri worked in retail and banking before giving birth to their eldest son and becoming a full-time mom. Two more children later, Sheri was living her dream. For her, life in Grande Prairie was perfect.
After 12 years as a stay-at-home mom, Sheri was ready for a career. “I found a job as a Diagnostic Technician for an Optometrist and discovered my passion for healthcare and helping seniors, but I couldn’t further my career there.” Sheri looked to her father for inspiration, who came to Canada with a grade 9 education and took courses to better himself. If he could do it, she could too. “I felt insecure when it came to a career. I had been out of the workforce for over a decade, so furthering my education was a good start.”
Going back to school
Sheri researched online healthcare programs, discovered Stenberg College’s Pharmacy Technician program, and enrolled in September 2021. As the first day neared, Sheri became increasingly nervous about attending school at 39. “I was terrified.” It wasn’t long before excitement overtook her nerves. “After the first day, my nerves dissipated, and I could enjoy it.”
When reflecting on her educational journey, Sheri stated, “Being a mom helped me multitask and manage my time. Learning online allowed me to balance my schedule and work ahead.”
Sheri excelled in the program with a 94% grade point average and helped others succeed. Her classmate, Jing Zang, describes Sheri’s kindness, “I wanted to give up. Sheri encouraged me and gave me study tips. She’s very warm-hearted and helpful. She created a group chat and offered help to anyone who needed it.”
Brandy Lynn, another classmate, said, “Sheri left her family for eight weeks to attend labs. You could feel how sad it made her, but it didn’t stop her from working hard and becoming confident.” Sheri has warm feelings for her classmates, “They are people I’ll stay friends with forever.”
Sheri on practicum
Sheri loved the program, and although it was hard to leave her family to attend labs in Surrey, she looked forward to meeting her classmates. She was especially excited about her hospital practicum. “My practicum was a great learning experience. I am still in touch with my co-workers. They taught me many imperative aspects of working within a hospital pharmacy and gave me tips on passing my licensing exam,” she fondly remembers.
Sheri’s community practicum was close to home at Care Rx, a pharmacy that distributes medications to residents in long-term care facilities. Despite not working directly with them, she was thrilled to make a difference in seniors’ health. After completing her practicum, Sheri accepted a full-time position as a Provisional Technician.
“Sheri is intelligent and motivated with a passion for the profession. Her excitement to begin her pharmacy career is evident,” stated Brad, Pharmacy Manager, Care Rx.
Sheri is intelligent and motivated with a passion for the profession. Her excitement to begin her pharmacy career is evident.
Living the dream
“When I began this program, I said to Chad, ‘As a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT), I hope to earn more than they do in hospitals,’” Sheri stated. “I was in tears and excited when I discovered my wage would be more as a Provisional Technician in the community pharmacy. Upon passing my exam to become an RPhT, it’ll increase. This is more than I could have imagined.”
Since completing the program, Sheri felt herself change. “I’ve seen my confidence grow. I went to work on my first day, knowing I would do a great job. I have much to learn but feel incredibly prepared because of this program.”
I’ve seen my confidence grow. I went to work on my first day, knowing I would do a great job. I have much to learn but feel incredibly prepared because of this program.
As a mom and now a Registered Pharmacy Technician, life in Grande Prairie is even more perfect.
