Read More: student of the year 2019

Reimagining Tradition, Fulfilling a Mother’s Ambition

“My first month in Canada was very tough. I’ve never lived alone before and I was trying to cope with this feeling of not having family around while keeping up with my studies,” recalled Student of the Year Finalist for the Health Care Assistant (HCA) Program, Ivane Christian. THE ULTIMATE DREAM Ivane immigrated from India to make her ultimate dream…

Star student – from Darkness to Light

Raji Sandhu always wanted to care for those in need. In high school, Raji battled with anxiety and depression and felt a deep calling to become a teacher or youth worker. “I always wanted to work with kids,” she recalled. “There’s so much anxiety in kids today — when I put myself in their shoes, I can understand how they’re…

The grandparents that guided her in life and to a career she loves

Holding back tears, Montana Shermann took a deep breath and paused for a moment. “Sorry, I haven’t talked about them for a while.” She pulled herself to the present and continued, “I was close with my grandparents who passed away this year. They’re the reason I went into this field. They were a huge part of my life and I’m…

An Unstoppable Team

Deborah McGregor and Jonathan Hutchings are at ease with one other. They have the kind of love that lets them be comfortable in each other’s presence. The kind of love that stems from a deep respect of one another. The kind of love that builds a marriage so strong, it would allow them to persevere through the most rigorous educational…

It’s worth it

“Back in India if you’re 30 and starting over, you’re done,” Pankaj’s eyes welled up as he narrated his struggles after immigrating to Canada. For someone like Pankaj who has a Master’s in Science and had a well-paying job in the pharmaceutical industry, starting from scratch would be an uphill battle. But Pankaj was ready to take on any challenge….

Finding passion and pride in nursing

It was hard for Stefania Jimenez to talk about herself. Accustomed to focusing on her patients and taking care of others, Stefania usually asks the questions. She let out a small laugh when asked what makes her a good nurse, uneasy about having to compliment herself. She thought aloud, “I think it’s my compassion and love for people. Making them…

Connecting the dots

Harmeen Cheema’s transformation from a lost high schooler to a motivated Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) is an inspiration for young adults in a similar boat. While many remain lost, Harmeen found her path. When she was in high school, Harmeen felt a disconnect between her education and what she wanted to become. She was passionate about soccer but wasn’t sure…

Never give up on your passion

Becoming a doctor is an extraordinary achievement. It requires years of rigorous education, practice, and discipline. But Dr. Adriana Garcia sacrificed this title to start over and provide a better future for herself and her family. Growing up in Venezuela, Adriana had always known she wanted to be a doctor and put her heart and soul into becoming one. She…