What were you doing before attending Sprott Shaw College?
Before I started at Sprott Shaw, I was working 3 days a week doing deliveries for a bakery. I had just moved to Kamloops from Ontario in August of 2019 where I was a School Bus Driver.
Why did you choose Sprott Shaw College?
I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to have my program funded and that was the first reason. The second reason was it offered the program I wanted and it wasn’t going to take a long time to complete.
How was the admissions process?
For me, the admissions process was really easy. I was told what I needed to provide and I went about getting it all. I needed documents from Ontario and that scared me, but I got them pretty quick. Other than covid holding up necessary vaccines, it was a pretty easy straight forward process.
What program did you choose and why?
I chose the Health Care Assitant Program. I have inlaws who are in a long-term care home and seeing the care they recieve made me want to be able to do that for other families. I have always been a person who wants to help anyone I possibly can and this program helped me learn more ways to help people.
What was the environment like during your time at Sprott Shaw College?
Covid made school hard. Having to do our classes online was very hard to do because of being at home. Having life around us got distracting sometimes but I eventually learned how to put it aside. When I did go into the school I really enjoyed it. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming and were truly there to help us.
Where was your practicum or co-op and how was it?
I had 3 placements. I started on April 27th, 2020 and was supposed to graduate on December 4th, 2020. I ended up with an injury that set me back 6 weeks on the start of my 3rd week at Pinegrove. I ended up having to join another class to finish up at Gemstone where we were there just short of 4 weeks before the outbreak happened. We waited 2 weeks and got tested and then started at The Hamlet’s where I finished my program. I really enjoyed all 4 places, I learned a lot at all of them.
How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?
It did not take me long. I had my last day of practicum on February 9th, got my transcript and applied to the registry on February 12th. Also on February 12th, I was called by my place of employment and offered a position. I started on February 22nd.
Where do you work? Can you explain your duties?
I am currently employed at The Hamlet’s at Westsyde, the last place I had my practicum. I am a Resident Care Aide (RCA) in a full-time position. I walked right into a line and did not need to be a casual to start. I thoroughly enjoy my job and my residents. My co-workers are amazing also.
If you could give advice to someone coming to Sprott Shaw, what would you say?
Advice to a future student: Take full advantage of the knowledge of your instructors. Always ask questions to get clarification if you don’t know something because that is the best way to learn. If you are having problems, talk to the school. Everyone there is wonderful and will help you in any way that they can and they will help you to succeed.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
If it wasn’t for the school and my instructor’s support, I probably would have given up with all the setbacks that I had. I am so glad I didn’t because now I have my diploma and a career that I love.
Vicky Thompson
Health Care Assistant Program
Kamloops Campus
