Loss, of Job and Friends, Inspires a PSW Career to Help Others – Her Son is So Proud

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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My name is Ashlee and I’m a 32-year-old mother of two boys (nine and two). What made me go back to school was COVID-19 and I wanted to do better in my life for my kids.

During COVID-19 I lost my job and some very young people in my life due to suicide. I felt hopeless and very sad. Grief and suicide were things I didn’t know how to deal with. Going back to school and making a change for myself was something I needed to do.

“Going back to school and making a change for myself was something I needed to do.”

I saw the Facebook post for Anderson College’s Personal Support Worker (PSW) program, and I applied right away with no hesitation. I knew it would be hard, but I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, to help people who need care and love from other human beings.
My Mimi was also in a nursing home and seeing how she lived, watching her go through dementia, gave me a different outlook on life; it inspired me.

Going to the college and meeting the teachers and other students became very rewarding. When I needed help with home life, or just someone to talk to, my peers and teachers were always there to help so I wouldn’t get discouraged.

They made me push forward, to stay focused, and wouldn’t let me give up.
If a person is looking for the right path and the right college, I would tell them about my experience at Anderson College and how much it has benefited my life.

“When I graduated, my son and my boyfriend came to support me, and it was the best feeling in the world to see my son smile the way he did on that day.”

When I graduated, my son and my boyfriend came to support me, and it was the best feeling in the world to see my son smile the way he did on that day. He was so proud of me, and I remember him telling me, “You can do anything you put your mind to”. I told him that he was absolutely correct. Never give up on your dreams.

Two quotes I live by are: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world,” BB King and “Never let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game,” Babe Ruth. Thank you for changing my life and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime Anderson College.

Ashlee M.

If you felt inspired by Ashlee’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?