Chance of a lifetime

July 2022 I was given the chance to do what I had only hoped for.

Back story , I never had an opportunity to go to secondary school after graduating high school. I had always planned to, however life and lack of money always got in the way.

I had a pretty good job working as a retail manager which I enjoyed but a piece of me was left feeling unfulfilled. Wanting more, wanting to be more.

I had a desire to be a medical laboratory assistant for many years and unfortunately the program wasn’t offered locally anymore, and to just quit my job and leave home for months to be able to do schooling was not something I was able to do.

My husband works for the hospital,  and just happened to talk to the right person one day who guided me to TRU Open Learning program for the National MLA certification. At that same time I was also given the amazing opportunity to work as a MLA once I had proof of enrollment in the program and with a commitment to compelte certification.

It was everything I dreamed of, the fact that I had the ability to be a part time student and still work full-time while competing my studies at home was actually more then I had dreamed of as I never thought I could do this.

Now, teaching myself after being out of school for 16 years was a bit of a challenge at first however I eventually found what works best for my learning style and have been incredibly successful with the program. Every course I have completed I have finished with 90+ avg. I am currently enrolled in the last course and my practicum is being arranged. I see a finish line!

Beyond thankful that TRU has the open learning program and the opportunity I have had to finally be able to further my education. The fact that I could purchase and work on 1 course of the program at a time helped both mentally , by not feeling over burdened with school and working at the same time. As well as finicially ,  I do not qualify for funding and could never pay full cost of the program at once.  It made it attainable!

I have looked back at these last few months, even though time management has been a struggle at times. It is all worth it. A few more weeks of learning, the program will be complete and I will be able to be certified in my field.

Since I’ve been working as a MLA , daily I’m reminded I am in the right place. My interactions with patients while collecting blood samples, the smiles, laughs and even tears I shared with them. I feel I’ve found my calling and my purpose.

I am finally feeling fulfilled,  thanks to Thompson Rivers University for helping me get here.