From Personal Loss to Purpose: Susan’s Journey to Becoming a PSW

At Anderson College, we are constantly amazed by the courage of our students, faculty, and staff. 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 started when my mom passed away four years ago, the day after my 34th birthday. It was sudden, and we didn’t even know she was sick. It took a toll on my whole family because she was so young (55 years old). Then about six months later my stepfather passed away. Before he passed, he was in need of a personal support worker (PSW), and that got me thinking, “Maybe I should become the one to help him.” But by the time I looked into it, he was already gone and so I had put it on hold for a while.

“His need for care got me thinking about this career opportunity again, so I started researching schools and the program.”

Then in the summer of 2019 my father-in-law was getting sicker and sicker by the day; he became so ill that he couldn’t leave the bed anymore. They had a PSW or a nurse come in to help him; he passed away that October. His need for care got me thinking about this career opportunity again, so I started researching schools and the program.

“I got in contact with someone at Anderson College, in November of 2020, started the PSW program in January 2021 and just graduated in October 2021.”

In August of 2020 my grandfather passed away, he and I were so close (me being the oldest grandchild of seven). We did everything together when I was younger; it almost broke me when he passed. Then I started thinking about the fact that everyone who had passed away in the last four years of my life would not want me to sit around waiting for the rest of my family members to pass away. So, I thought better and continued my research on the PSW course. I wanted to make a difference not only in my life but for others as well, especially seniors who need the love and care of people other than their family members.

“Now I have enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Technician program not only to better my career but also to expand my medical knowledge.”

So, that is exactly what I did, I got in contact with someone at Anderson College, in November of 2020, started the PSW program in January 2021 and just graduated in October 2021. Now I have enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Technician program not only to better my career but also to expand my medical knowledge. What started out as a series of tragic events motivated me to courageously choose a career path for my life. Even though I couldn’t help my loved ones in the way I wished, I can make a difference, now, in the lives of others.

I hope that in reading my story you learn that no matter what terrible things happen in your life, good things can come out of them. If you try and keep focused, you can accomplish anything!

Susan P.

If you have a passion for people and want to make a difference, but are still exploring whether this career may be for you, Take the “Anderson College Medical Professional Career Training Readiness Quiz”.

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