Finding the Rainbow: Kiel’s Journey of Resilience & Pursuing a PSW Career

In celebration of our convocation 2023, and the opportunity for us to finally be together and celebrate in person after three years, we asked our graduates to share their Anderson College experience.

Asking, “How has Anderson College changed your life?” prompted over a hundred submissions … this is one of those extraordinary student stories.

We hope this reflection moves you, as it has our Anderson family, and inspires you to ever embrace the career and life you imagine and, truly, deserve.
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Let me start by saying, “There is always a rainbow after the rain”, which is very true after what I have experienced for the past four years.

“After getting laid-off from a job which I devoted my life to for a good eight years, I thought my life reached its end.”

After getting laid-off from a job which I devoted my life to for a good eight years, I thought my life reached its end, which left me clueless as to where I was heading next. But something happened, I don’t know what to call it, people may say it’s luck or destiny, but I call it my blessed rainbow. As I was in the subway waiting for my train, I saw a student wearing blue scrubs with a black detailed design. I got intrigued and followed him, trying to get a glimpse of what the logo said. It said “Anderson College”, and that’s how my journey started.

“I knew with this decision I could put my career back on the right path and, at the end, Anderson College proved me right.”

I may have lost my job, but an opportunity was given to me to go back to school and pursue my long-desired career in nursing; this time I would take the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program first and start from there. I knew with this decision I could put my career back on the right path and, at the end, Anderson College proved me right. My onboarding was smooth sailing, thanks to Betanya and the rest of the team. But I give my greatest gratitude to Miss Iam Ligacion (my instructor), who unselfishly imparted herself to us and equipped us with the knowledge and necessary skills to face the real world after completing the program.

I also give credit to my wife who sacrificed a lot to make my going back to school possible; she worked two jobs to support me and our one-year-old son, of which I’m forever grateful.

“Now, I’m employed full time at the nursing home where I did my practicum, enjoying the fruits of my labour through the guidance of Anderson College.”

My journey was not easy, but Anderson College made it a joyful, meaningful and a fruitful one. Thanks also to my classmates; it was fun learning alongside you guys. I am what I am now because of Anderson College; they made my dreams possible. Now, I’m employed full time at the nursing home where I did my practicum, enjoying the fruits of my labour through the guidance of Anderson College. They put the rainbow back in my life.

For anyone looking for a direction and losing hope, try to look for your own rainbow – here. You will be surprised that at the end of it, Anderson College will be there handing you the pot of gold you’ve been searching for.

Kiel R.

If you felt inspired by Kiel’s story and are looking to launch a career focused on helping others, you can click to learn more about our Personal Support Worker program. Or if you have other interests, you can explore one of our other 30+ leading-edge programs.

When you’re ready to train and embrace the next level of your career, we can help you navigate the steps along the way. Book your virtual appointment with one of our supportive admissions advisors today and let’s get you started, shall we?