Going back to school was one of the best choices I ever made
Posted by Sprott Shaw in I took the Health Care Assistant program in 2011. I couldn’t be happier with the results. I was hired before I even finished the courses. The staff and our teacher was the best and most helpful I could have had. The smaller class sizes definately make it worth it. Going back to school was one of the best choices I ever made.
Taylor D.
HCA Program
Kamloops Campus
I have reached my goal, I am working as a nurse and I am loving it.
Twenty-two years ago I decided to go back to school. Yep, you heard me. I was seventeen with a grade 10 education and a baby on the way.
I always knew I wanted a career, but with an unplanned pregnancy my plans for college had to wait until the time was right. So, I committed to being a mom and I promised myself that once my child was an adult that I would reach my goal, go to college and have the career that I always wanted.
And so, here I am, a graduate of the Practical Nursing program. But getting here wasn’t easy. I went back to high school after I had my son and got my Dogwood diploma. About 6 years ago I started upgrading my high school sciences. It wasn’t easy – nothing really worth it ever is! I was divorced, a mom with two children, two jobs and a goal.
I know my children are proud of me. They saw me cry, when the stress of it all seemed to be too much, and encouraged me to keep going. And I believe that they learned a valuable lesson right along with me – don’t stop until your dreams come true. And since you are reading this I assume that you have a dream too.
Through the Practical Nurse program, I have discovered so many new friends, support systems and most of all a sense of pride in myself for keeping the promise I made over two decades ago. I have reached my goal, am working as a nurse and I am loving it.
Maya Angelou said this: ‘I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’ Good luck on your journey – it is worth it!
Li D.
Practical Nursing Program
Because Hunger Has No Age Limit
Food Banks British Columbia in conjunction with Aquarius Marketing and Corporate Sponsors is launching its 10th Annual Holiday Season Hunger Awareness campaign “Because Hunger Has No Age Limit”. This TV and Print campaign is running province wide in December to encourage British Columbians to support their local food banks. Food Banks British Columbia’s new online donation website now makes it easier than ever to directly support your local food bank.
During the holiday season food banks rely on the bulk of their donations to help them throughout the year. Rising food and fuel prices are putting more pressure on Food Banks across BC.
Food Bank use across BC continues to rise and rural communities have been the hardest hit. Transportation of donated food is a major concern and some rural food banks have had to close their doors early and turn people away due to a lack of supplies. For smaller rural food banks the campaign can be the only way to get their message out to potential donors.
More than 90,000 people walked into a food bank in March 2011. Of these 31.7% were children, 24.5% of those assisted in BC report provincial disability income support as their primary source of income – the highest in Canada.
Seniors and others on marginal incomes are particularly vulnerable to increased costs and many have to rely on food banks to meet their nutritional needs. More single parents have to turn to food banks for their children’s basic needs.
Visit http://foodbanksbritishcolumbia.ca for more information on how to donate. Also, don’t forget to donate at the CFOX and Sprott-Shaw Community College “Santa Fox Food Drive” going on now!
Stuff-a-Bus 2011
This was the 6th year that Sprott-Shaw Community College took part in the city wide event “Stuff-a- Bus”! Members of the community are asked to collect and bring in non-perishable food items to help with the Kelowna Food Bank.
Staff and students at the Kelowna Campus band together to raise food items to donate, every year! Since inception, we have progressively collected more food, breaking previous year’s food quota. This year, we raised over $2120 worth of food by pillaging our cupboards, hounding family members, door knocking and grocery shopping! Although this is not the biggest amount we have raised, it is the BIGGEST amount raised in a very short period of time.
On behalf of Sprott-Shaw, We would like to thank each and every staff member and students for their efforts, concern and care for their community. Thank you for helping us give back! Big thank you to Sun FM for hosting this event year after year and in helping us to celebrate our efforts!
Click here to see photos from Stuff-a-Bus 2011!
Santa Fox Food Drive
Join The Jeff O’Neil Show, Neil Morrison and Todd Hancock at the 2011 Santa Fox Food Drive in concert with Sprott-Shaw Community College at:
Safeway in Surrey – 8860 152 St. (152nd & 88th)
They will be broadcasting live and collecting non-perishable food, cash and credit card donations for The Surrey Food Bank:
Wed, Dec 14 6am-7pm
Thur, Dec 15 6am-7pm
Fri, Dec 16 6am-7pm
The 24th Annual Santa Fox Food Drive is on now and making your donation is easier than ever!
Instantly donate $10 to The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society by texting SANTAFOX to 41010.
We are also accepting online donations to The Surrey Food Bank and The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
Congratulations to our Kelowna campus for collecting $2180.00 worth of food for the Kelowna Food Bank!
Free Blood Pressure Clinic in New Westminster
Sprott-Shaw New Westminster Nursing Students and Faculty will be holding a free blood pressure clinic in the new Thirty’s Foods store in Sapperton.
December 15, 2011
9 AM to 5 PM
270 East Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC
Sponsored Sprott-Shaw Community College New Westminster
I had a great instructor and made a lot of great friends!
My name Kathleen Donnelly and I am a graduate of the Sprott-Shaw Community College Community Support Worker-Social Services Program. I have learned a lot of valuable skills that I will use in my new career and also in my personal life. I had a great instructor and made a lot of great friends!
I’m so happy and proud of myself for enrolling into school and now I am so excited to start my career as an EA!
-Kathleen D.
Making and Presenting Puppets in Early Childhood Education
Aglika Ivantcheva, a former ECE student at Sprott-Shaw, who is very passionate about making and presenting puppets came and visit one of our New Westminister ECE classes recently as part of the Creating Resources course. Here is some of what she covered:
- Using puppets as therapy for young children.
- Showed the different types of puppets you can make and also buy.
- Explained the importance of using puppets with children and the difference between a toy and a puppet.
- How to use puppets for resolving conflict, guidance issues and problem solving not only for children but also adults.
- The importance of making puppets with children and letting them play with them not just take home as a craft.
It was a valuable experience for the students in having Aglika come in and they enjoyed playing with her puppets!
Get the Gift of Education
With the holiday season fast approaching, Sprott-Shaw Community College wants to give you or someone you love the gift of education. We are giving grants of up to $1000* towards the Sprott-Shaw program of your choice. Start the new year off right! This is your chance to Study, Work, and Succeed with Sprott-Shaw Community College and launch a career of your choosing. Register here before this Gift of Education opportunity ends on Febuary 29, 2012.
*Conditions Apply
On-Site Health Care Assistant Career Training in Osoyoos – March 2012
The Penticton campus, in partnership with Mariposa Gardens in Osoyoos is excited about the offering of the Health Care Assistant program in Osoyoos starting March 2012. This will be the 4th year Penticton has had the opportunity to offer this program on-site in conjunction with the management and staff at Mariposa Gardens.
If you are looking for a new career along with a lifestyle change, then you don’t have to look any further. The Okanagan, especially Osoyoos, offers a lifestyle like no other.
Employment prospects post schooling are high, as Mariposa Gardens hires the majority of students from its in-house classes. Baltic Properties, Mariposa’s parent company, is also in the planning stages to build a new facility in West Kelowna. So if you are tired of the day to day grind of big city living, or would prefer a slower, more relaxed lifestyle, or are looking for a safer and family friendly community, then this could be your big opportunity.
Further details may be obtained by contacting us online or calling the Penticton campus at 250-770-227.
