From Foster Homes to Building a Life for Her Daughter: Calyssa’s Story

At Anderson College, we are continually inspired by students who transform challenges into triumphs. Many, like Calyssa, join our dental assistant program seeking a stable, meaningful career while balancing the demands of parenthood. Her journey shows what’s possible when determination meets the right support system.

What Challenges Did Calyssa Face as a Single Mom?

In December 2021 we ran a “My Courageous Moment” story-gathering campaign to celebrate our students, their strength, the moments that have defined their lives and the people who have motivated them to overcome and succeed.

In sharing our stories, we realize we are not alone and are often inspired to recognize, or to find, our own extraordinary courage. We hope the following story moves you, as it has our Anderson family.

It was a chance for a new life, and a choice to make my life, and life for my daughter, better that made me go to Anderson College.

During the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, I found out that I was pregnant. I got in a car accident in February and almost had my baby. I moved out in July to start school and things were going great until I got COVID. I dealt with that and then realized that when I moved out, I’d chosen the wrong people to live with. I had to move back into the house of my baby father’s mother, and he and I then lived together.

In October, we broke up and I lost my maternity-leave benefits because of COVID-19. I had no option other than to work part-time. I also had to figure out how to pay for daycare and now I had to remain in his house because I had nowhere else to go. Without living there, I would have been homeless and would have had no one.

“I’ve been through ups and downs my whole life with job after job, even in high school. At one point, I worked four jobs to support myself.”

I’ve been in and out of foster homes all my life and was told, for as long as I can remember, that I would never go anywhere in life because of how my life was and due to my parents’ choices. I’ve been through ups and downs my whole life with job after job, even in high school. At one point, I worked four jobs to support myself.

Then I went to college in Toronto, and I had to work seven jobs just to pay rent. I’ve worked as a photographer and event promoter; I’ve worked in retail, at a movie theatre, in fast food restaurants, hotels and at banquets. I even do braiding as a side job to support myself and my daughter. It feels like I’ve worked everywhere, and I have experience in almost everything. However, what made me want to go to Anderson was my daughter. She made me want to be better for myself, so I could be better for her.

Why Did She Choose a Dental Assistant Program?

“I chose Anderson to have a career and to show myself that no matter what you go through in life you will always survive, but you should never settle for just that.”
I went through all these obstacles my whole life and I’ve always survived but I don’t want to just survive anymore. I want to live, and I want to give my daughter a good life and have a great job so she can be proud of me and say, “That’s my Mommy!”.

I do not want to live pay cheque to pay cheque and work job after job. Anderson is my chance to change my life for the both of us. I chose Anderson to have a career and to show myself that no matter what you go through in life you will always survive, but you should never settle for just that.

How Can a Dental Assistant Career Empower Single Moms?

Pursuing a dental assistant course can open doors to stable jobs, flexible schedules, and long-term growth. For single moms like Calyssa, this career path means:

• Consistent income and work-life balance
• Skills that are in high demand across Canada
• A chance to make a positive impact on patients’ lives
• Supportive instructors and hands-on training at Anderson

This is my chance to show my daughter that you can do anything, but that you shouldn’t do something if it doesn’t make you happy. I am excited to be at school and thankful that I get to experience and learn about this program. I’m happy for once, happy to know that I won’t end up like half the people in my life and I can do anything I want to do. This is my courageous story.

Take the “Anderson College Career Discovery Quiz”

You can literally survive anything and not give up!
It may be hard, but patience will always do you good, and will help you to choose what will make you better, for yourself and for those you love.

Calyssa J.

To learn more about our 30+ leading-edge programs to help you take life to the next level of success, book a virtual appointment with our Admissions Team today!

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ’s)

Q1. How can a single mom succeed in a dental assistant program?

With flexible scheduling, hands-on training, and supportive instructors, single moms can thrive by planning ahead, using campus resources, and staying organized.

What jobs can you get after completing a dental assistant course?

Graduates can work in dental offices, specialty clinics, public health, or even pursue further education in dental hygiene or administration.

Q3. Do I need prior experience to enroll in a dental assistant program?

No. You just need a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a passion for healthcare and patient care.

Q4. Is financial aid or support available for single moms?

Yes. Anderson College offers guidance on financial aid options, government grants, and scholarships that can help single parents manage tuition and living costs while studying.