I always knew that I wanted to help people, I just wasn’t sure how.

In 2017, while in grade 12 at Ernest Manning High School, I began to imagine the next steps for my life. Health care seemed like an exciting opportunity, since it would give me the chance to help people in need every day.

But I didn’t know where to start. What opportunities were there? What training did I need?

Most importantly, how was I going to pay for it all?

Getting a job meant buying textbooks, uniforms, and shoes that I could not afford. Even the cost to ride public transit to the training sites was expensive!

Then a counsellor at my high school introduced me to the Dual Credit Health Care Aide program. It allowed me to begin training as a health care aide, while finishing my high school studies. The best part was, thanks to EducationMatters donors like you, the costs of my books, uniforms, and transportation were all covered!

Without this help, I never would have been able to begin my career.

After the program, I was immediately hired by the organization that I completed my practicum with and I began helping patients in Calgary who were suffering from early-onset dementia.

I’ve been inspired by my experience in the health care field so far and I want to do more. This fall I began the registered nursing program at Medicine Hat College. In four years I will be a nurse and helping people in need every day.

I am well on my way to building my dream career and I could never have done it without the support of donors like you.

Your support changes the lives of students in Calgary. Please consider making a donation today to the EducationMatters Back to School Campaign to help more students like me.

We all have a role to play in public education. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Zaynab Qaderi
Ernest Manning High School, Class of 2017
Registered Nursing Student at Medicine Hat College