My virtual career journey

Growing up in smalltown Saskatchewan, I have always wanted to help people. Being empathetic and compassionate, and always wanting the best for everyone around me defined me. When I graduated from high school, I immediately began work at a local senior living faculty as a cook. My time spent there was more fulfilling than I could have ever possibly imagined it to be. I knew right then, that helping people was my career calling.

From “me” to “we”

Within a few years, I married my high school sweetheart and we began a family. I stopped working outside the home after our first child for born: it was important to me to be able to stay home with our children and be involved in every aspect of their lives, until they were all in school full-time.

Within just over 3 years, we went from husband and wife, to a family of 5. As a mother of 3 under 3, my role quickly became a full-time job. Being “mom” happily (and tiredly) consumed my life for 8+ years. When our kids had settled into full-time school for a few years, I started to want something more for myself, and to feel like I was helping others again.

New job, new learning

A local pharmacy posted for a pharmacy assistant, and out of many candidates, I was honoured to be hired. At that time, I felt I no longer had any recent “work experience.” But within a few months, I had excelled at learning on the job, and was surprised by just how much I really enjoyed working in the pharmacy. I was eager to learn what every drug was used for, why a medication would be prescribed, and I loved getting to interact with the patients and pharmacy staff.

After 3 years as an assistant, I had hopes of becoming a registered pharmacy technician, but was unsure how to make my dreams come true. I couldn’t find a program that would allow me to stay home with my family, in our small town. Local colleges only offered in-person learning.

I was (and still am) an active parent, heavily involved in my kids' extracurricular lives and my husband was working 15+ hours a day. I knew that moving away for two years was not an option, so my dream sat on the backburner.

Finding Stenberg

Last year, I expanded my search for a college that would suit my needs. I researched pharmacy technician programs and came across Stenberg College. I was elated to learn that I could finish the pharmacy technician program in 1 year instead of 2, and that I could stay home and take my course almost exclusively virtually, with the exception of 8 weeks of lab work on site in Surrey, BC.

Within a few months, I began my journey to begin college. After several interviews and prerequisite requirements, I was accepted into Stenberg College.

From Saskatchewan to Surrey, BC

I am now about to enter my first month of labs in Surrey, BC. My experience in Stenberg College’s pharmacy technician program has been incredibly positive. I am far exceeding my expectations in my studies and am extraordinarily proud of my overall average. The teaching staff at Stenberg College are exceptional. Material is presented in a manner that makes the content interesting, understandable, and applied to real-life circumstances. The staff is always available to provide support and clarification on assignments, tasks, and readings.

The journey has been a long one, from cook to mom to online learner. I am delighted to begin labs with my fellow classmates and form lasting friendships, experience hands-on training, and create lifelong memories at Stenberg College.