An Interview with Zaida
Zaida and Claire, two immigrants from the Philippines, were working at a retirement home when they decided, as a team, to go back to school and begin a second career. With help from the Algonquin College Experienced Worker Centre, they were accepted into the Practical Nursing program—and are on track to achieve their dreams.
What was your situation when you arrived in Canada?
Claire: I was working two jobs, one of them at the retirement centre with Zaida. We are both from the Philippines, so we quickly became friends. We then decided to go to Algonquin together so that we will have a better future.
Zaida: We wanted to go into Practical Nursing, but we would have had to get our education assessed, which would take a long time. So we enrolled as mature students in the Pre-Health Sciences program instead. But we’re in Practical Nursing now thanks to the Experienced Worker Centre.
How did you find out about the Experienced Worker Centre?
Zaida: Our classroom was actually right next door! I saw the signage one day and thought, why not go in and ask what they do? So I booked an appointment—and it was definitely worth it.
What kind of support did you receive from the EWC?
Zaida: First, the people there were really accommodating. For every meeting we had, they allowed us to go together. English is not our first language, so we wanted to be there to support each other and help find the right words when answering their questions.
Claire: We wouldn’t be in Practical Nursing without their help. Ian Paul and Stella Ludlow, the Intake and Referral Consultants, served as our bridge to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. They were so supportive, providing all the information we needed to get financial aid to continue our studies.
Zaida: There are a lot of requirements to get a Second Career bursary. Any time we were missing something, Ian or Stella would print it out or email it to us right away. They made things so easy. They also helped me get in contact with the Registrar’s Office to finalize my offer for the Practical Nursing program.
What are you hoping to do after you graduate?
Claire: I want to be a nurse in a hospital or long-term care home. The Experienced Worker Centre has helped make that possible.
Zaida: I will maybe work in a hospital for a while and then use the Experienced Worker Centre to bridge into the Registered Nursing program.
How would things be different if you hadn’t gone through the EWC?
Zaida: I would still be working at the retirement centre and not be in the Practical Nursing program today without their help. I would also be struggling financially, probably working an extra job to finance my studies.
Claire: Without their support, I wouldn’t be able to achieve my dream. I’m forever grateful to the Experienced Worker Centre for this opportunity.
