Brian Souter - Resident Care Attendant (now Health Care Assistant) Program
Brian is a recent graduate of the Resident Care Attendant Diploma Program. An accomplished student, Brian was awarded the prestigious Student of the Year title for Fall 2010. The winner of Student of the Year is entitled to a full tuition reimbursement up to a maximum of $20,000! Brian was a government funded student so he had the unique opportunity of donating his tuition to a charity of his choice. We sat down with Brian to discuss his time at Stenberg College.
Q: What motivated you to take the Resident Care Attendant (now Health Care Assistant) Program at Stenberg College?
A:Two things: First, I came to the realization that caring for others is something I do really well. As an RCA every day is an opportunity to help someone.
Second, I really researched colleges to see who was the most widely recognized and Stenberg was the college most frequently recommended.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding aspects of the program?
A) 1. College life in general, specifically the small class sizes and excellent instructors (I had some great one on one conversations discussing caring and empathy), the helpful and professional faculty.
2. The practicum was a challenging, but a great learning experience. It also allowed me to befriend many residents and staff.
3. How well prepared I felt leaving Stenberg to enter the workforce when I graduated.
Q: What advice would you give to students entering the RCA (now Health Care Assistant) Program at Stenberg College?
A: There are 2 skills testing exams, a month apart that start roughly in the 3rd month. These had me worried because they were so challenging. Two things that really helped through this was practicing with 2 or 3 other students, allowing us to share ideas. If you have a Care Aide or Nurse as a friend, pick their brain!
Watch your attendance. Stenberg has a strict attendance policy so students don't fall behind in their studies as the programs are often condensed.
It can be a challenge to obtain a regular full time position after graduation. However, working a few casual or part time jobs will really help you to get started. Be a go-getter and explore different places of employment that hire care aides—this will really help you in finding employment. Don't forget to network on your practicum sites!
Q: How did Stenberg prepare you for life after graduation?
A: First, an excellent education – we know our stuff. Second, the final week we learned some excellent and up-to-date resume writing and interview skills. All of this has helped me considerably.
Q: What does winning the Student of the Year award mean to you?
A: It is a tremendous honour. To be picked out of an entire student body, including so many bright and talented individuals, is very humbling. It is a remarkable and memorable personal accomplishment. Being a mature student (I am now 51), and working so hard in my studies makes this award so much more meaningful.
To be able to donate my entire $7000 tuition award to charity ($3500 to The Red Cross – Langley, $3500 to the BCSPCA) was definitely the highlight of this award for me as I couldn't afford to give that much money away personally.
Also, to be recognized so favourably by the faculty at Stenberg College means a great deal to me. I admire and respect this great team. I also have the privilege of delivering a speech to my graduating class. What an exciting experience! It has also been such an ego and moral booster. How could it not! I am fortunate to now have this title for the rest of my life. It will attract attention and will open doors for me that my ‘normal' resume would not.
Just in case you are starting classes you may want to remember that it doesn't matter how old you are. Just work hard, be friendly, respectful, sincere and compassionate. Student of the Year will look good on you!
Congratulations Brian on all your success!
