My Husband is dating a college girl, and it’s ME!!!
As a college girl, I’m going back to school in September. A thought that used to make me shudder, but now makes me feel like a baddie.
The Why?
Since 2020, I have completed 15 micro-credentials. As the first Indigenous person to graduate from the Sepsis Canada LiFTING Training Program via McMaster University, I aimed to become a full-time researcher. I’m still a Patient Partner Researcher who has contributed to five journals, but it’s not enough to secure a job or an interview with universities. I understand I don’t have a degree.
The Pivot
So, the main goal was to get back into healthcare. That’s why I have chosen to take the Medical Office Assistant (MOA) Course at Vancouver Community College. I feel this is a great step toward returning to work and contributing to society. I’m already comfortable with medical terminology; I passed the typing exam on my 1st try, and I want to help people on the worst day of their lives because I have been there.
Just putting this out to the Universe, but I have my sights set on a career in Indigenous Healthcare. Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by disease and are reluctant to seek medical help because of ongoing racism.
Decolonizing Healthcare isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an action I want to be part of.
The Thought Process
I have always wanted to be the top of whatever I do, so of course I thought of getting a degree, then finishing my nurse training, then becoming a Healthcare Assistant before settling on the MOA course.
After 15 years on CPP Disability, I know I want to do 40hrs/week, but is it sustainable, and am I capable? I’ve been walking an average of 40kms/week and going to Oxygen Yoga and Fitness 3 times/week. I had a health scare at the beginning of this year and lost 30lbs in 6 weeks. None of my Drs know why, but now with a clean bill of health, I’m in replace-the-muscle mode and am working on my endurance.
Cue the Eye of the Tiger!
You Know You’re Old When
Returning to school as an adult learner is a trip. I recently got my high school transcript, passed a typing test, and have applied for a Criminal Record Check.
The funniest thing is submitting my Immunization Record. Because I am a BC transplant from Manitoba, I had to contact the province to request this info. A very nice lady contacted me to find out about any name changes, my Manitoba Personal Health Number, and any former addresses, most of which I had forgotten because I left in 2001.
This is the funny part. My immunization records don’t exist because, back in the olden days, this info was recorded on paper, and digitization was only invented in 1988. Bahahahaha!!!
So, I have made an appointment to have an antibody titer test to determine which immunizations or boosters are needed. My BC Health Records prove I’m completely Pfizerized against COVID-19; the flu shot is up to date, but it looks like I need Measles, Rubella, and Mumps (MRM), and Diphtheria and Tetanus (DT) need a boost. I also need a Chest X-ray to prove I don’t have Tuberculosis (TB).
I’m the type of person who will jump out of a moving car if I see someone in distress, so I am pumped to be retrained in First Aid, CPR, and how to use an AED. I can’t wait to be re-certified!
Not Bad for a Gen X’er
When I first became ill in 2011, I did not have the brain power to apply for CPP Disability. My Husband did all the paperwork for us. I would’ve given up.
Now, in 2026, I have jumped through a lot of hoops just to get to the acceptance letter, and I am so proud of myself. Having a purpose is a powerful motivator. I know this next diploma is going to secure our future and retirement.
So, while many friends prepare for retirement, I am a college girl going back to school and couldn’t be more proud!
