Supported to succeed, connected through care
On the first day of classes at NSCC, Reign showed up with an open mind and a birthday to celebrate.
“I didn’t think I would enjoy being at school on my birthday,” they say. “But it ended up being such a great day. I remember thinking, this is a fresh start. I’m starting a new journey in my life.”
By the next day, a classmate had already baked them cupcakes from scratch. “I was like, okay… I’m with my people. Those small gestures mean so much. I saw it right away in the people around me, and I knew I could learn from them.”
That sense of belonging would define Reign’s experience in the Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) program.
A fresh start with purpose
Before coming to NSCC, Reign knew they wanted to find a way to give back by caring for others. They had experienced the importance of care through their own family and wanted to be part of that support, bringing joy to people’s lives. At the same time, returning to school was a big personal step forward.
“Going to school was a goal I set for myself. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs, and I wanted to get my life back on track.”
That combination of purpose and personal growth led them to NSCC’s Continuing Care Assistant program. “Deep down I felt like I wanted to give back to a community in a way of caring,” they say. “Working with seniors and people with disabilities just felt right.”
Learning, growing and leading
As part of the first condensed CCA cohort, Reign quickly found their place, both in the classroom and as a leader.
Chosen as a class advisor, they helped bring forward student voices and advocate on behalf of their peers.
One moment in particular stood out. “A classmate noticed her country’s flag from Suriname wasn’t displayed in the atrium,” Reign says. “So, I reached out to get the ball rolling, and by the time I finished my program, it was put up.”
For Reign, the impact of that moment was not about personal recognition. “I was only here for 6 months, but I feel like I left a little bit of a mark, and it’s not for me, it’s for them, which is cool.”
A classroom that feels like family
The CCA program quickly became more than just a place to learn. It became a community.
“Our class was super tight. We pretty much became like a family,” Reign says. “We really held it down for each other. We were like, you’re not leaving. We’re doing this, we’re finishing this together, we’re going to study together, we’re going to get through this.”
That sense of connection was built into the program itself. In one course, students prepared meals for one another as part of their learning.
“You cook meals for each other and then sit down and eat together like a big family,” they say. “We decorated the classroom, played music and shared food from different cultures. It was really special.”
Those shared experiences created lasting bonds. “We still keep in touch, check in on each other and celebrate each other’s wins. These are connections I’ll never forget.”
Support that made success possible
For Reign, financial support played a critical role in making their education possible.
“I would not have been able to finish my program if it weren’t for funding from NSCC, point blank period.”
The support eased the pressure of day-to-day life and allowed them to focus fully on their studies.
“I thought I was ready to come back to school, but life happens,” they say. “Having that support meant I didn’t have to worry about paying bills or groceries. I could actually focus on learning and doing well.”
With that support in place, Reign thrived academically. “I graduated with honours, and I never thought I’d be able to say that. It’s definitely because of the help NSCC gave me.”
From classroom to career
Today, Reign is putting their training into practice, making a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.
“Being a CCA, I’m able to have a huge impact, from the smallest things like a smile to bringing joy into someone’s day,” they say.
The role goes far beyond clinical care.
“Some people don’t have family visiting, so we become that support for them. You build relationships and share really special moments.”
That human connection is exactly what drew Reign to the field in the first place and continues to inspire their work. Looking ahead, they hope to return to NSCC to pursue Practical Nursing and continue growing their skills to better support the people in their care.
Advice for future students
As they look back on their experience, Reign encourages future students to embrace the journey and remember the importance of taking care of themselves along the way.
“You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others,” they say. “Even small things like going for a walk, listening to music or talking to someone can make a big difference.”
For anyone considering NSCC, Reign's advice is simple: “Pick a cute ‘fit,’ bring yourself nice snacks and just soak everything in around you. Take your time, breathe and just enjoy it. There are so many supports and so many great people around you.”
And for those interested in continuing care, they emphasize the qualities that matter most. “Patience, empathy and understanding are everything. You’re in someone’s space, their home. You want to make it as comfortable as possible for them.”