Cresencia – The Confidence for a New Future

A former beauty consultant, Cresencia wasn’t sure what career she wanted to pursue when she first came to Canada from the Philippines.

“It was actually my husband who inspired me to think about becoming a Health Care Aide,” she says. “He saw a lot of Health Care Aides at his work and he gave me the confidence that it was something I could pursue too.”

Cresencia enrolled in MaKami’s Health Care Aide program in Edmonton in November 2020 – in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Because of the pandemic when I enrolled the program was mostly online, which was a struggle for me,” she admits. “I was new to the country so I was adapting to the culture here, and I didn’t get to meet my classmates and just saw my instructor online so it was a challenge at first. But once we started our in-person labs it was more comfortable for me because it was easier to ask questions and have conversations with people.”

Cresencia says the supportive environment at the school helped immensely. “Everyone here is supportive from the minute you walk in the door. From the receptionist to the instructors, the student advisors, the tutors, everyone really wants to support your success and for me that made all the difference.

Here, there are no stupid questions. You can ask your instructors anything – I highly recommend this school and if you do come here don’t be shy. Don’t pretend you know if you don’t know – if you ask questions you will learn more.”

Cresencia graduated in August 2021 and after a short break, she applied to St. Michael’s Health Group in Spruce Grove where she is now employed as a Health Care Aide. “So far I love it,” she says. “Coming from a beauty background, this is all out of my comfort zone but it’s an amazing experience for me. I love being able to support the clients and the residents. Even just talking to them, it makes all the difference to their lives, and I love having that connection with them.”

For now, Cresencia says she is very happy in her role, and encourages anyone who might be thinking of a change to give it a try.

“Don’t be afraid – conquer your fear and do what your heart desires. If your heart is telling you to do something follow your heart, follow your dreams and make it a reality. If others can do it, so can you.”