Alan

It’s been 42 years since I attended school. With a Grade 6 education, I worked in the trades for 40 years. However, my goal was to get a job that I could do while on medical pension.

I was very nervous about returning to school. But in spite of having a learning disorder, I plucked up my courage and drove to the Yellowhead Regional Consortium site in Hinton and enrolled in a NorQuest computer course.

I found that the time I’ve spent back in the classroom after 42 years has been very encouraging. I can’t believe how much I have learned from my instructors and fellow students in such a short period of time. The teachers, staff and everyone are very helpful, courteous and friendly.
I know I’ll get to the finish line eventually.

Angela

In 2001 I returned to school to make a better life for my children and myself. I started in academic upgrading at NorQuest and then enrolled in the Nursing Attendant program. I fell in love with nursing and knew this was where I belonged. After six years working in the field, I decided it was time to go back to school and earn my nursing degree. This meant returning to NorQuest to the Pre-Practical Nurse program, and finally working towards my dream.

Returning to school was difficult – the program was demanding and I had a family of four to provide for. Not only did NorQuest teach me academically, NorQuest changed my outlook on life. I now know that I can achieve anything.

Charisse

Overwhelmed by high school and family responsibilities, I dropped out in Grade 11. Before coming to NorQuest College, I worked in a few different jobs but I didn’t have a career. I knew that I needed an education to get a higher paying job but I hesitated about returning to school because I had never been very successful.

When I enrolled in the Aboriginal Community Support Worker program at NorQuest, everything changed. Coming back to school was such a positive experience. I couldn’t believe the support that was available to me. The most rewarding moment for me was walking across the stage at my first graduation.

I am now bridging into the Social Work Diploma program at NorQuest. In five years, I hope to be working as a full-time social worker. NorQuest helped me succeed by showing me that I have the potential to get good grades, continue my education and achieve my goal of getting a career.

Cora

While undergoing treatment for breast cancer, I enrolled in the Hospital Unit Clerk Program at NorQuest College. Out of all of the negativity from surgeries, tests and treatments, I tried to find something positive. My classes were phenomenal therapy for my recovery. The instructors were wonderful sources of encouragement and inspiration. My experiences allowed me to refocus on the future, while exercising and strengthening my mind. My memory improved immensely and the practical component of the program gave me valuable job experience.

I am working full-time in the Stollery Children’s Hospital where my job is both rewarding and challenging. I look forward to every minute of every busy day. I know that I have been blessed. I am returning to a normal life, with a career that suits me perfectly.

Din

I came to Canada from Afghanistan in 2003 with my wife and seven children. My wife was the only female nurse in a town of more than 70,000 people. In spite of all our hardships, we stayed for the hope of a better tomorrow, not knowing that we would pay a very high price.
We suffered a terrible trauma in Afghanistan when our family witnessed the murder of our eldest son by the Taliban. My wife became very ill, and shortly after, we decided to leave the country.

My wife, daughter and I all enrolled at NorQuest College. Learning a second language, especially for someone my age, is not easy but I wanted to live in Canada, so I had to learn English before anything else. I was lucky because I got the best teachers in all my classes.

Fahad

I enrolled in the English as a Second Language program at NorQuest College when I came to Canada from Saudi Arabia. I was working and realized I needed to learn English to advance my career.

I have met many other international students at NorQuest. I live with a home stay family and have enjoyed interacting with my classmates and teachers. They have been patient and helpful with everything.

My goal is to return to Saudi Arabia and use the English I have learned to start my own business. When I came to Canada I couldn’t speak any English but now I can make myself understood. NorQuest has helped me a lot.

Guohong

Before coming to NorQuest in 2005, I worked as a registered nurse in China. I wanted to continue to work as a nurse in Canada but I didn’t have Canadian experience. Instead I found an entry level job and worked until I could balance my work, studies and being a single mother.

My friends told me there was an excellent English as a Second Language program at NorQuest. Shortly after starting in language training, I heard about the Practical Nurse Diploma program for Internationally Educated Nurses. This program allowed me to learn English while upgrading my practical skills.

My classmates are from different countries and we share culture, experiences, knowledge and laughter. This has been a remarkable period in my life. NorQuest gave me the opportunity to re-enter my nursing career.
When I graduate I will be a practical nurse in Edmonton. This program has given me a greater understanding of the Canadian nursing system, helping me communicate with confidence.

Juan

I was born and raised in Colombia where life was difficult and unstable. The political situation and my family’s involvement in politics put our lives in danger. I was sponsored by my uncle to come to Canada.

Shortly after arriving in Canada, I enrolled in language training at NorQuest. I was a Student Ambassador and had a part-time job so that I could sponsor my mother and three sisters to come to Canada. A few months ago I succeeded. Now my sister and my mother are attending NorQuest with me and I know it can change their lives like it did mine.

I have worked my way through the English as a Second Language program, Bridge to Business Careers, and Academic Enrichment program. Now I am in the upgrading program.

Being a Student Ambassador and meeting people from the community has really helped improve my English skills. NorQuest has helped me gain confidence.

Kelly

Before coming to NorQuest College, my life lacked direction. When I finally came to the realization that I needed to change, NorQuest was there.

I quickly volunteered with the NorQuest Students’ Council, became our class representative, and started group study sessions. My memories of NorQuest are very positive, in particular the incredible support I received from my teachers and peers. Everyone wanted me to succeed both at school and in life.

Today I am a Licensed Practical Nurse. I began my career working in community nursing, helping people on social assistance, people with drug addictions, and people who have suffered abuse. I am now confident and capable. I believe I can do anything because of my time spent at NorQuest College.

Lisa

After six years in an unsuccessful relationship, I moved back to Alberta with my three children to make a new start. With no experience or education, I was unable to make ends meet. I knew I had to make a change. Returning to school after 15 years was scary because I only had a Grade 9 education. I knew that I needed to take this step to change my life, make my family proud and prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.

Attending NorQuest has been a wonderful experience. When I wake up in the morning I can’t wait to come to school. I know that all my hard work is going to pay off.

My goal is to be a social worker and make a difference in the lives of children. I know what it’s like to feel helpless and alone and I want to help others. Thanks to NorQuest, I have a second chance. I want to help others because I know anything is possible with a little hard work and a good education.

Marcella

My dad came to Canada from Ecuador about five years ago to make a better life for our family. When I arrived, I didn’t speak English and I had no friends. However, I was happy because for the first time in three years, my family was together.

A family friend recommended NorQuest College to me. I started at the Westmount Campus and I am now in the Youth in Transition program. I have made a lot of friends and have learned about Canadian culture. My experience at NorQuest has been incredible because of all of the things I have learned.

My goal is to continue on to the upgrading program and then take NorQuest’s Licensed Practical Nurse program. Eventually I want to go to University to study medicine.

Megwan

At age 20 I got my first job at Kasohkowew Child and Wellness Society which helped me decide to pursue a career in social work. After taking a facilitator training program, I heard that NorQuest was a good place to continue my education.

At first I was afraid to go back to school but the NorQuest instructors were supportive and encouraging. I made a lot of friends my age from different backgrounds, which took the pressure off trying to fit in.

I want to pursue a Bachelor Degree in Social Work to work with troubled teens. NorQuest College gave me the confidence to reach my educational goals. With support and a positive environment, I was able to succeed in getting through the tough part of just going back and starting my education again.

Odia

I am a mother of four children from Hobbema, Alberta. My educational journey has been a long and prosperous one. I obtained my University and College Entrance Program certificate in 2000 at Concordia College. Then I worked as a summer student at the Samson Cree Nation Finance department and ended up staying for six years. I decided to change careers when I couldn’t advance any further in my job.

I had heard of NorQuest College, and when the Health Care Aide program became available, I knew it was for me.

I have great relationships with my instructor and my classmates. We help and support each other. I have special memories that will last a lifetime.
My next goal is to enter the Licensed Practical Nurse program on my way to becoming a registered nurse. By achieving my goals I will be able to live my dream.

Sun

I am an English teacher at Chuxiong Medical College in China. I came to NorQuest to learn more about the Practical Nurse Diploma program for Internationally Educated Nurses and improve my English language skills. Chuxiong Medical College is working in partnership with NorQuest in the development of the program.

While at NorQuest, I found the instructors to be very knowledgeable. I learned new teaching methods and methodology. Not only were the instructors excellent teachers, they became my friends.

I am so grateful for the progress I made with my speaking and teaching methods. My experience at NorQuest has opened my mind to Canadian teaching approaches and Canadian culture. I now believe I can succeed in teaching if I combine these teaching methods with my ability.