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Pay it Forward
Sakhile Mhlanga has always followed her own path. Growing up in Zimbabwe in a family full of teachers, Sakhile wanted to try something different.
Instead of becoming a teacher, Sakhile finished her degree and found work as a nutrition assistant in a government hospital. She says, "During my work at the hospital I learned about nursing, so when I came to Canada my goal was to pursue a career as a practical nurse." Moving to Canada from Zimbabwe in 2012 was a huge change for Sakhile and her family. A new country and culture were a lot to adjust to. Even trading familiar zebras and elephants in the countryside for exotic elk and moose reminded her she was far from home.
While she was getting settled in Canada, Sakhile didn't forget her goal of becoming a nurse. In 2014, she enrolled in the Practical Nurse diploma program at Bow Valley College. It wasn't easy, but Sakhile was never one to shy away from a challenge. "Being a full-time student, working part-time, and having a one-year-old baby was pretty hard," Sakhile remembers. "I had to learn very quickly how to manage my time in order to be successful and fulfill all my responsibilities."
Sakhile graduated in 2017, and is now working as a health care aide while she looks for a position as a practical nurse. "I would like to say a huge thank you to the 1000 Women Rising donors! Their generosity helped me to succeed, and I feel so inspired to pay it forward! Thank you so much!"
Instead of becoming a teacher, Sakhile finished her degree and found work as a nutrition assistant in a government hospital. She says, "During my work at the hospital I learned about nursing, so when I came to Canada my goal was to pursue a career as a practical nurse." Moving to Canada from Zimbabwe in 2012 was a huge change for Sakhile and her family. A new country and culture were a lot to adjust to. Even trading familiar zebras and elephants in the countryside for exotic elk and moose reminded her she was far from home.
While she was getting settled in Canada, Sakhile didn't forget her goal of becoming a nurse. In 2014, she enrolled in the Practical Nurse diploma program at Bow Valley College. It wasn't easy, but Sakhile was never one to shy away from a challenge. "Being a full-time student, working part-time, and having a one-year-old baby was pretty hard," Sakhile remembers. "I had to learn very quickly how to manage my time in order to be successful and fulfill all my responsibilities."
"I would like to say a huge thank you to the 1000 Women Rising donors!The 1000 Women Rising campaign at Bow Valley College was created for women like Sakhile. While at the College, Sakhile received a bursary funded by the campaign. The financial support came at a crucial time in her studies, and helped her concentrate on her schooling.
Their generosity helped me to succeed, and I feel so inspired to pay it forward. Thank you so much!"
Sakhile graduated in 2017, and is now working as a health care aide while she looks for a position as a practical nurse. "I would like to say a huge thank you to the 1000 Women Rising donors! Their generosity helped me to succeed, and I feel so inspired to pay it forward! Thank you so much!"
