Going Back to School as a Single Mother? Precious Okafor Did It!

As we all have, Anderson College students have faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an attempt to focus on the triumphs and celebrate the courage and tenacity of our community, we launched a My2020 Story Campaign. Students were asked a few poignant questions to spark the sharing of their experiences and insights. The response was overwhelming and, in the process, we have been blown away by their authentic sharing and inspired by the powerful lessons they have learned. We are grateful to all those who contributed and are richer for having you in our Anderson family.

Here is one such story, for you …

2020 was special because it was the year I proudly graduated as a Dental Assistant from Anderson College, despite the challenges of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic changed our way of life, and we are now having to adjust how we live, learn how to stay positive and appreciate the life we have.

My name is Precious Pearl Okafor, I am a proud graduate of Anderson College, and this is my story.

I arrived in Canada in 2018 with my 3 kids. I was hoping to provide a better life for us, but without a clear vision of where the next step in my career would be.

I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do next or where I should start, but I was determined to learn and be productive.

My career search started in 2018, during which time I explored many options, but none of them stuck. That was, until I came across the Intra Oral Dental Assistant program at Anderson College. I enrolled and started my journey with computer training with our instructor Garry. He was indeed an amazing teacher, and it was a pleasure being tutored by him. After my computer training, I proceeded to my Dental Assistant class, which was taught by Eman, who was very knowledgeable and kind.

“I am grateful for the knowledge and empowerment handed to me by this great institution.”

As you know, 2020 came with an unexpected twist. I had to learn new ways of living, while constantly worrying about the well-being of my kids and also trying to concentrate on my studies. I had my days where I felt overwhelmed with this new reality; some days I thought I couldn’t continue as it was getting tougher to juggle my domestic duties and my school workload. However, in those moments I looked at my kids and reminded myself that I am their hero and no hero ever emerged by being a quitter.

I am grateful for the knowledge and empowerment handed to me by this great institution, and I promise to uphold the integrity and good name of Anderson College by being the best Dental Assistant in any and every organization/clinic that I find myself in.

Take the “Dental Professional Career Discovery Quiz”

I encourage everyone, especially mothers like myself. If I could successfully complete my program despite being a single mother who immigrated to Canada with 3 kids, they too can start today to pursue the career path that they’ve always wanted, even if it seems impossible.

Determination and hard work are all you need.

Precious Pearl O.

To learn more about the Intra Oral Dental Assistant diploma or one of 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!