From Front Desk to Frontline Care: Alexa’s PSW Career Journey

Many people don’t find their calling early in life. For Alexa, finding the right career didn’t happen overnight. It came after years of working hard, trying different paths, moving abroad, raising a family, and quietly wondering whether something more meaningful was still waiting. When she finally discovered the role of Personal Support Worker, it didn’t feel like a leap into the unknown; it felt like recognition.

Today, Alexa works as a PSW at the same long-term care facility where she completed her practicum. Her story reflects a journey shaped by lived experience, determination, and the power of practical education – proving that the right career often appears when life experience and readiness finally align.

A PSW Career Rooted in Life Experience, Empathy, and Purpose

Life Experience Before Entering the PSW Field

Before entering healthcare, Alexa’s career path was varied and constantly evolving. She worked across industries, pursued education that never quite fit, and kept moving forward even without a clear long-term plan.

“I kind of bounced around in all aspects of life, especially when it came to my career. I went to university but didn’t finish, then tried two different programs, and nothing really stuck. I didn’t find the university experience very helpful. I’m more of a hands-on learner.”

Her strong work ethic consistently opened doors.

“I worked in Lake Louise as a housekeeper and worked my way up just by being a hard worker. I eventually became supervisor of the front desk and took on other responsibilities.”

Life outside of work was just as full.

“I moved to Chile for a year with my ex-partner, and now I have five children with my new spouse, so life is pretty busy.”

Over time, the lack of direction became harder to ignore.

“I never really defined myself as having a career. As I got older, it started to weigh on me; I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep bouncing around like that.”

Discovering the PSW Role by Chance

The turning point came during a moment of frustration while completing repetitive work for extra hours.

“I remember one day on a break in my car. They had me wiping down shelves at Shoppers. It was so boring. [Scrolling through social media] I saw something that said, ‘Be a PSW.’ I put in my information because I love helping people. I like being in front of people; that’s why I loved front desk work.”

A follow-up phone call and a conversation left a lasting impression.

“Someone talked to me for about 45 minutes. She was so kind and gave me all the information I needed. I realized I was more drawn to being a PSW. I love hard work, being on my feet, moving around; I enjoy that part of it.”

At the time, she had little understanding of PSW duties and responsibilities, but the role resonated immediately.

Choosing Anderson College With Confidence

As Alexa explored education options, she was cautious. She wanted a program that was legitimate, transferable, and worth the investment of time and energy.

“There were a bunch of colleges reaching out, but after doing research, I started questioning legitimacy. I kept thinking, what’s the point if the degree doesn’t get me where I want to go?”

Anderson College stood out.

“I did my own research, and there were positive remarks. The degrees could be used outside Windsor. It felt like a more natural choice.”

When she was ready, the decision came quickly.

“One day, I just knew I needed something different. I saw the post, got a phone call about an hour later, and it snowballed from there.”

She soon enrolled in the personal support worker program.

A Learning Experience That Finally Fit

Alexa completed the 27-week hybrid PSW program, combining online coursework with in-person sessions – a format that matched her learning style.

“I think in today’s society, everything can feel very underwhelming and unmotivating sometimes if you’re always on the computer. The smaller classroom we had was beautiful; it let you talk to one another more openly, and it felt like a personal experience rather than being in a huge auditorium where you’re just writing stuff down to memorize for a test. You know, it was a very different experience from university, which I really appreciate.”

For the first time, learning felt collaborative.

“I’m a hands-on learner, and the in-person sessions were extremely helpful. It motivated you more. I like going through things with people. That’s why I love being a PSW now; you’re with your residents, but you’re also with your coworkers every day.”

Hands-On Training and Honest Preparation

Practical learning played a central role in preparing Alexa for the realities of the role.

“We practiced on each other, putting briefs on, bathing, cleaning. At first, it’s awkward, but it prepares you for being present and giving dignity.”

Her instructor’s real-world experience made a difference.

“She was a PSW first, then a nurse, then a teacher. She had experience in the field, and that helped make it raw and honest about what you’ll actually be doing, rather than a cookie-cutter approach like, ‘This is going to be super fun and easy all the time, you’ll have a crazy amount of time to get all this done.’ She let us know, it’s a hard job, a tough experience, but if you’re the right person with the drive to help and heal, you’ll pursue this and have a wonderful experience. She didn’t sugarcoat it.”

That honesty shaped Alexa’s understanding of PSW role and responsibilities before entering the workforce. And this hands-on approach reinforced the value of personal support worker training.

Practicum at Berkshire: Learning on the Front Lines

When it came time for practicum placement, Alexa trusted her instructor’s recommendation.

“She told me, “Berkshire Care Centre. It’s down by the river in downtown. It is a long-term care facility. It’s the toughest placement you could ever do in terms of Windsor and PSW, but I think you’ll be perfect for it.” And I think either because of my age, just my motivation, and because I’m a hard worker, I think she just saw that. So, she told me, “I think you’ll thrive there.” And that’s why I chose that place.”

The experience was intense and eye-opening.

“It was the craziest place and the craziest job sometimes, but it really was everything I wanted for the job. It’s not boring. You’re walking all the time. You’re making wonderful connections with people, not just coworkers. It was everything combined to make this perfect misfit career, which I turned out to love. I wish I had done it sooner. It was wonderful.”

Despite the challenges, it felt like the right fit.

“It wasn’t boring. You’re walking all the time. You’re making real connections.”

Pride, Purpose, and Daily Impact

What brings Alexa the greatest fulfillment are the small, human moments.

“When I punch out and walk through the main area, I’m hugging one resident, high-fiving another. Everyone’s waving. It doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like living life with these people.

“It’s this feeling of pride… I just have an infinite amount of pride, knowing they enjoy my presence. It doesn’t feel like a job, but more like a daily experience of living with these people. It’s very special. These residents are usually overlooked, pushed aside. To get so much credit and appreciation from them, makes me feel like a celebrity in an interesting way.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the background. I don’t like being the centre of attention. So, this is the perfect amount of attention. I’m overjoyed to help people, put a smile on someone’s face, joke with them, get them coffee because they can’t go out because they’re bed bound. Those simple things really brought my front desk experience into a meaningful way by helping them.”

She also sees the broader impact of her education.

“For the past six or eight months, I’ve seen people training other people from Anderson. I’ve seen at least six or seven new people in placement through Anderson. Not everyone stays, but it’s nice to see that your program in Windsor is attracting a lot of people. Many go to Berkshire, so it’s a success to see placements turning into jobs.”

These experiences highlight the real-world PSW career opportunities available to graduates.

Growing Personally and Professionally

Alexa was hired at Berkshire just weeks after completing her practicum and continues to work there today.

“There are heartbreaking days. We lose people. I cry, but the good outweighs the bad.”

The role reshaped how she shows up in every part of her life.

“It helped me with my patients, my children, my relationships.”

She credits her confidence to the program’s hands-on focus.

“You couldn’t do an online-only program and walk into this job.”

Her experience affirmed the value of earning a personal support worker certificate.

Advice for Future PSWs

Alexa encourages honesty and self-reflection for those considering a personal support worker course.

“Be realistic. Social media makes it look light-hearted, but it’s a really hard job.”

Heart matters.

“You can’t just clock in and clock out. You need to care.”

Where Purpose, Preparation, and Care Come Together

Alexa’s journey into personal support work is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and trusting the value of lived experience. What began as uncertainty and exploration ultimately became clarity through hands-on learning, honest preparation, and real-world application.

Through Anderson College’s PSW program, Alexa gained more than technical skills; she built confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of herself and others. Today, her work reflects not only professional competence, but meaningful connection, empathy, and pride in care that truly makes a difference. Her story is a powerful reminder that when practical training meets readiness and heart, it can open the door to a deeply fulfilling career.
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Begin Your Own PSW Career Journey

Alexa’s story shows how hands-on education and real-world experience can lead to meaningful healthcare careers. Anderson College’s PSW training is designed to prepare students for the realities of the role while supporting them every step of the way.

Explore our Personal Support Worker programs (PSW-27 weeks / PSW 34 weeks), book a virtual appointment with an Admissions Advisor, or take the Personal Support Worker Career Discovery Quiz to see if this path is right for you.