A Mother’s Love: Mary-Grace’s Journey

It was love for her ailing daughter that led Mary-Grace to apply for the Anderson College Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant Diploma program.

Mary-Grace’s daughter was born with a rare medical condition that caused her to have three major surgeries and countless visits to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, all before she turned the age of one. Next year, when she turns five, Mary-Grace’s daughter will undergo another complicated surgery, this time to remove one vertebra from her spine.

“I feel ready for the working world, and I am thrilled that my courses have also prepared me to be there to help my daughter in her recovery from future surgeries,” says Mary-Grace, who came to Canada with her husband and eldest daughter from the Philippines 13 years ago. “These courses have been a blessing in disguise.”

The program has even helped Mary-Grace’s mother, who recently lost her sight due to complications following a cornea transplant.
“My mother has had to face so much – but thanks to my coursework in anatomy I have been able to explain to her what has happened to her. Having that understanding has made her more accepting of her situation.”

Choosing Anderson College
Realizing soon after her daughter was diagnosed that she needed to go back to school, Mary-Grace was intent on finding a program that would let her study the kind of science-based subjects that had most inspired her in high school.

“I don’t have any medical background but, when I was in high school, I loved biology and chemistry and I had dreams of becoming a nurse. When I researched the Anderson College program and discovered that I would be taking courses in things like anatomy and physiology, I knew it was the right choice for me.”

Take the “Medical Professional Career Discovery Quiz”

“I am a curious person, and I did thorough research before choosing Anderson,” she says. “I was a little nervous about going back to school, but the Anderson staff have made it so easy for me.”

According to Mary-Grace, the staff at Anderson even helped her find a location to access her first COVID-19 vaccine.

“The faculty and staff at Anderson have been just amazing,” says Mary-Grace. “They are kind and respectful of students — of our time especially. If I email the administration with a question, they get back to me right away. I have no doubt they are going to continue to be incredibly helpful when the time comes for me to apply for work.”

Mary-Grace’s advice for future Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants Diploma students? “Some of the courses are challenging – but as long as you bring energy and a willingness to learn you will flourish!”

Currently studying online, Mary-Grace says she plans to start looking for a job after she graduates next September – which will also coincide with her daughter starting kindergarten in the fall.

“I have always had a passion for helping people,” says Mary-Grace. “This program has been the perfect fit for me.”

Interested in starting your Physiotherapist & Occupational Therapist Assistant career? Book an express appointment with an Admissions Advisor today!