The Mentor Behind Ivy’s Medical Laboratory Assistant Success

Ivy’s journey to Anderson College began with a single, life-changing move, from Saskatoon to Hamilton, and a quiet but determined promise to herself. After working in a hospital and completing earlier medical studies, she knew she wanted to continue her path in healthcare. But starting over in a new city, with limited job opportunities and English as her second language, came with its own set of challenges. When she discovered Anderson College’s Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician (MLAT) program, she saw not just a career path but a chance to rebuild.

What she didn’t recognize at the time was that this experience would reveal her resilience, strengthen her perseverance, and be shaped profoundly by the guidance of her instructor, Miss Karla. Her journey would become both a personal milestone and a source of inspiration for others considering the program.

A Medical Laboratory Assistant Journey Shaped by Resilience and Meaningful Support

A New Life in Hamilton — and a New Beginning

Starting over in a new province required courage, adaptability, and a willingness to begin again. For Ivy, the move from Saskatoon to Hamilton became the catalyst for rediscovering her passion for healthcare and redefining her professional future.

“I moved from Saskatoon to Hamilton last year. I used to work in a hospital in Saskatoon, but when I came here, it was very hard to find a job. So, I decided to study again.”

She explored multiple schools and programs with careful intention. “I searched online and compared many colleges and universities—like Mohawk and others. I was first thinking about nursing at Mohawk, but I heard it’s very stressful.”

The turning point came the moment she walked into Anderson College. “One day, I came across Anderson College. I went there and met Karen, who introduced me to the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program. After that, I searched more about it and thought, ‘Oh, this is the perfect program!’ I also found that Mohawk didn’t have a full-time version, and other schools didn’t offer it either—only Anderson did.”

Life’s challenges interrupted her plans, but also aligned her with the right people. “I started last November, but my mom got sick in China, so I had to go back to take care of her. I dropped out temporarily. When I returned, I had to wait almost a year to restart. Karen told me I could start in April, but the class didn’t open until August 2025.”

Her reflection reveals deep gratitude: “I believe everything happens for a reason—because when I finally started, I met my teacher, Miss Karla, and she’s just wonderful.”

She even held an offer from another school. “My plan A was Anderson, but I thought if Anderson didn’t open, I’d go to Mohawk. And even after starting, I told myself, ‘If my teacher isn’t good, I’ll switch.’ But when I met Miss Karla, she completely changed my mind. She’s the reason I stayed at Anderson.”

Choosing Anderson – Aligning with Her Passion

For Ivy, returning to healthcare wasn’t just a practical decision, it was a return to something familiar, meaningful, and aligned with her strengths.

“Because I used to work in a hospital, I wanted to continue in that field. When I came here, I learned there are six hospitals nearby—Helen told me that! So, I thought, if I study a program related to the medical field, it’ll be easier to find a job.”

Her previous education set a strong foundation. “Before, I also studied MOA in Saskatoon and already had some medical education there. That’s why I chose this program.”

She also believed the MLAT role might complement her personality. “Before I started, I really didn’t know much about MLAT. I just thought, ‘Oh, I can work in a lab!’ Because English isn’t my first language, I sometimes feel shy talking to people, so I thought working quietly, on my own, would be perfect.”

When Life Interrupts — and Lines Up Perfectly

Sometimes the unexpected delays in life lead us to the exact people we were meant to meet. Ivy’s temporary withdrawal and long wait to restart the program ultimately brought her into a classroom that felt like home.

Her belief that “everything happens for a reason” became a guiding truth when she met the instructor who would transform her experience.

Finding Purpose Within the MLAT Program

Entering the program, Ivy was eager but uncertain. As she gained clarity about what MLATs do, and what the training involved, her curiosity and excitement grew.

Her initial impression was honest humility: “Before I started, I really didn’t know much about MLAT. I just thought, ‘Oh, I can work in a lab!’”

But learning about hands-on skills such as phlebotomy sparked enthusiasm. “Karen told me that as an MLAT, you can do phlebotomy… and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s so cool!’”

She quickly realized she had chosen a field that matched her abilities and goals, a field with a clear medical laboratory assistant career path in hospitals, labs, and clinical environments.

A Challenging Start Eased by Extraordinary Teaching

Every rigorous healthcare program has its early hurdles. For Ivy, the terminology and anatomy units were a steep climb, but they became manageable, even enjoyable, because of one exceptional instructor.

“To be honest, at the beginning, when we studied terminology and anatomy, it was very difficult, not only for me, but for all my classmates. But Miss Karla made complicated topics simple with her own way of teaching.”

Her gratitude overflowed into a letter sent to Anderson leadership:

“Since I started school on August 25, it has now been exactly one month, and I wanted to take a moment to share some reflections. Over the past month, I have been deeply impressed and grateful for the dedication of my teacher, Miss Karla.

“As you know, English is not my first language, yet Miss Karla has shown tremendous patience with me. From her, I have not only learned the subject matter but also gained an important perspective on how to approach both work and life.

“With her teaching experience, daily lessons could easily be something very simple for her. But I can feel that she does not just rely on experience when teaching. What really surprised me is that, even after working in this field for so many years, she is still able to maintain such love and passion for her work. And I can clearly feel the effort she puts in behind the scenes.

“I am truly moved by her efforts … I hope more people will come to know Anderson College and through teachers like Miss Karla, be inspired to pursue MLT studies here.”

Her words capture the difference one deeply committed instructor can make in a student’s life.

“She Changed Everything”: Ivy’s Tribute to Her Instructor

Exceptional educators do more than teach, they elevate, empower, and ignite confidence. Ivy describes a level of care that shaped not just her academic success but her sense of belonging.

“Yes! I’m 51, and one of my classmates is almost 60. Miss Karla supports all of us equally. I always sit at the front, and she can tell when I’m confused—just by looking at my face! She’s very patient and always makes sure I understand. She often says, ‘If Ivy understands, everyone understands!’”

She admired her instructor’s dedication. “Some teachers just read from PowerPoint slides, but she explains everything in her own words and connects it to real examples. She ‘punishes herself,’ meaning she stays up late to prepare lessons even though she’s taught them for years.”

Her commitment was unwavering. “Even when she was sick and her throat hurt, she still came to class to teach us. I told her, ‘Only Chinese people work like that!’ But she still insisted.”

Ivy hopes her influence extends far beyond a single classroom. “She’s an excellent teacher and a true example. I hope Anderson recognizes and keeps teachers like her. She could share her experience and teaching style with other instructors so all students can benefit.”

Where Learning Comes Alive — Confidence in the Lab

For many students, hands-on learning is where everything finally clicks. For Ivy, the lab became a place of joy, confidence, and connection.

“The lab! Once we finally started doing lab work, it felt like entering paradise after anatomy. It’s so much fun and very hands-on.”

Collaboration strengthened that experience. “We work in teams, and my classmates are amazing. I feel really lucky to be in this group and to have Miss Karla as well. Anderson College has been such a good choice—worth every bit of effort.”

The MLAT program’s practical design—including simulation, labs, and practicum—is what makes it such an effective medical laboratory assistant course for students looking to build real-world skills.

Learning in a New Language: Finding Her Voice

Studying in a second language can intensify pressure, especially in healthcare programs. Ivy carried not only academic demands but emotional echoes from earlier schooling.

“In China, the education system is very different. If you don’t get high marks, teachers can make you feel ashamed. That left a bit of trauma for me. So, when I started anatomy here, I studied up to 12 hours a day. It was so hard!”

But she wasn’t alone in the journey. “Every morning, I’d prepare a list of questions, and Miss Karla would take time to explain them one by one. Since she’s from the Philippines, English isn’t her first language either—so she truly understands how I feel.”

Visual teaching tools helped her thrive. “She speaks slowly, draws diagrams, and uses pictures to help us visualize and remember things. That makes a big difference for me and for my classmates.”

This supportive approach is exactly what helps students thrive in a medical laboratory assistant education environment.

Support, Belonging, and the Power of Community

A challenging program becomes transformative when paired with genuine community support. For Ivy, Anderson became a place where she felt challenged and deeply supported.

“It feels amazing. Anderson College’s education system is very good. I have friends studying at other colleges, and they don’t always feel supported like this—especially those studying online.

“Here, I truly get what I need. I always tell my friends, ‘If you want a good education, choose Anderson.’ And I’m very lucky to have Miss Karla. She turns challenges into learning routines—things that used to feel impossible now feel achievable.

“She also supports everyone in our class, especially the older students. She makes sure no one is left behind.”

This is the type of environment that helps students not only complete their studies but confidently pursue a meaningful medical laboratory assistant training path.

Advice for Future MLAT Students

Ivy provides meaningful advice for those exploring the MLAT program, including students navigating English as a second language.

“First, you must be prepared—this program is challenging, especially the terminology. Even with a great teacher like Miss Karla, you still need to study very hard.

“Before starting, make sure your English is strong enough to understand the lessons. If not, Anderson also offers ESL, and that can really help. I think it would be great if the college had an ‘English Corner’—a space where students could practise speaking together.

“I practice English every day with my classmates and with Miss Karla. We’re like a family, and that’s how I’ve improved.”

Her advice underscores the importance of dedication, preparation, and community support for anyone exploring a MLAT career path.

Positioning Herself for Long-Term Success in Healthcare

With growing confidence and academic success, Ivy is already envisioning the career she wants and working diligently to earn it.

“I study hard because I want to be qualified and confident when I graduate. No one will check my marks after, but I want to achieve high grades to encourage myself to keep going.

“I usually get over 90% on my tests, and that motivates me. My goal is to work in a hospital again because hospitals offer good pensions and benefits—important when you’re older!

“I’m really happy and confident that with Anderson’s training, I’ll have a great future. I’ve compared many schools, and I know I chose the right one.”

The MLAT program’s accredited, hands-on structure—including simulation, lab work, foundational sciences and practicum experiences—prepares graduates for success in diverse laboratory environments.
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Ivy’s journey reminds us how much courage it takes to begin again, and how far determination can carry someone when they feel genuinely supported. We’re honoured to have walked alongside her. Her perseverance, paired with the compassion and clarity she received from her instructor, reflects the kind of learning environment we strive to offer every student.

Instructors like Miss Karla embody the heart of our student-centred commitment – meeting learners where they are, encouraging their progress, and helping them see what they’re truly capable of. And students like Ivy show us what becomes possible when resilience and meaningful guidance come together.

For over 140 years, Anderson College has been honoured to welcome learners from diverse backgrounds—over 150,000 students who, like Ivy, bring unique hopes, challenges, and strengths. Her achievements remind us why this work matters and inspire us to continue creating a place where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to pursue a new path with confidence.

Begin Your Own Journey

Are you ready to embark on a new path? We’re here to help you navigate your way. Explore our Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician (MLAT) diploma program today. Book a virtual appointment with an Admissions Advisor and take the first step toward your future in medical lab sciences.

Curious if this path is right for you? Take our Medical Professional Career Discovery Quiz to learn more about your strengths and the career paths that fit you best.