Alethia Coward isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
A member of NorQuest College’s RBC Student Ambassador Program, Alethia shared her perspectives on womanhood during the College’s International Women’s Day celebration on March 8, 2013.
“To me, being a woman means two things: creating my own destiny, and not blaming anything or anyone for the consequences of my choices,” she says.
One of the biggest choices Alethia has ever made was leaving her native Jamaica for Canada to pursue nursing. After her father passed away in July 2012, she packed her bags a month later and made her way to Edmonton and NorQuest College.
At NorQuest, Alethia is enrolled in one of Canada’s largest Practical Nurse diploma programs. The program prepares learners to perform a vital, frontline role treating patients in a variety of health-care settings. With Alberta Health Services recently announcing a commitment to hire more full-time nurses and graduates, including Licensed Practical Nurses, nursing opportunities in the province are strong.
While Alethia says nursing speaks to her passion for caring, she is determined to make the most of her time at NorQuest by giving back in other ways.
“I read about the College’s ambassador program and immediately thought it was for me,” she says. “I was excited. Not only because I would get to volunteer, but I would also get to be a voice where I could share my stories and to empower people from all backgrounds.”
RBC Student Ambassadors are NorQuest College students who proudly volunteer to represent the College, promote NorQuest programs and services for students, and strongly believe in the importance of an education.
While ambassador program organizers help students develop their skills, they quickly discovered Alethia’s natural talent for motivational speaking.
“Alethia’s speech for International Women’s Day was outstanding. She is a truly gifted speaker,” says Cindi Berg, a Senior Development Officer at NorQuest who administers to the Ambassador Program.
“NorQuest College has allowed me the opportunity to be me and to explore my strengths,” Alethia says.
Interested in becoming a member of NorQuest College’s RBC Student Ambassador Program?
I read about the college’s ambassador program and immediately thought it was for me. Not only because I would get to volunteer, but I would also get to be a voice where I could share my and to empower people from all backgrounds.