For 140 years, Anderson has trained more than 150,000 students. These are 80 winning stories from four contests — celebrating the resilience, dedication and dreams of our graduates, staff and faculty.
“Arriving in a foreign land with my children, Anderson became my beacon of hope. Despite cancer during my studies, I persevered and now work as a medical aesthetician — pursuing Medical Health Administration next.”
This college dared me to swim further, for I am a survivor.
“Balancing studying, working, and caring for a child with special needs felt overwhelming — but Anderson's MOA program gave me flexibility, community, and a career that aligns with my passions.”
Future
“Anderson offered a personal, supportive atmosphere with engaging instructors. As I finish Paralegal Studies, I feel grateful for their dedication.”
Transformative
“Returning to school at Anderson's PSW program rebuilt my life in Canada. Going from teacher to student was humbling but transformative — Anderson built a bridge to a thriving career.”
Innovation
“I left behind my Masters and a decade of experience to start over with a Diploma. Now I'm a Supply Chain professional with a thriving career and a hand-made-products business on the side.”
Amazing
“A year ago, my dreams seemed distant. A spontaneous decision to train as an MLA at Anderson transformed my life — I now have a clear vision for the next decade.”
Supportive
“With a nursing background, I pursued the PSW hybrid program as my first step in the Canadian healthcare system. While on placement, I passed the NCLEX — and now work as a licensed RN.”
Transformative
“After 26 years with L'Oréal and Estée Lauder, moving to Canada was brutal. In just six months, Anderson's Medical Esthetician program gave me the confidence to rebuild my career.”
Great
“At 38, after a decade as a full-time mother, the PTA/OTA program rebuilt my sense of purpose. The clinic I did my practicum at hired me — Anderson showed me it's never too late.”
Excellent
“From homelessness as a single parent to landing full-time work with Paramed and Brantwood Community Services after the Anderson job fair — Anderson gave me confidence and tools.”
Transformative
“From educational assistant to massage therapist, Anderson's small classes and instructors Pooja and Christy made the journey rewarding — most of us already have job offers waiting.”
Inspirational
“The Accelerated Paralegal Program reignited my love for learning. Mr. Bell's belief in me helped me master self-imposed limitations and rediscover my potential.”
Transformative
“After 27 years in a refugee camp in Rwanda, the PSW program at Anderson became a beacon of hope — I'm now an employee at Extendicare Burloak LTC.”
An excellent college
“Uncertain when I started, the PSW program instilled compassion and responsibility. I now work at a Senior Retirement Home with confidence and care.”
Supportive
“After migrating to Canada in 2021, my wife encouraged me toward Anderson. Mrs. Lisa Roque recommended me to Walmart Pharmacy where I am now employed.”
Partner
“After 22 years in law enforcement, Anderson reignited my passion. Mrs. Rita Bodalia and Mr. Terry Oliver, a 28-year Hamilton Police veteran, shaped my understanding of Canadian policing.”
Fascinating
“From the moment I enrolled, Anderson's dedicated staff and innovative teaching methods made a profound impact. The sense of community and inclusivity made me feel welcomed.”
Nurturing
“After losing my job and being homeless, Anderson gave me the chance I needed. With the staff's support I earned my MOA diploma with a 3.6 GPA.”
Amazing
“Lynn and Elizabeth Evangelista sent me to job fair after job fair. I now work at both Kerry's Place Autism Services-Group and CBI Healthcare.”
Incredible
“Returning to school as a mother of four was challenging. I now thrive as an MLA at DynaCare — Anderson helped me gain self-confidence and practical skills.”
Inspiring
“Instructors Patrick and Emily prepared me with Microsoft tools, Accuro data entry, OHIP billing and the highest ethical standards.”
Inspirational
“The hybrid PSW program fit my busy schedule as a mother. Ms. Cherry helped me find a placement across from my home and I started work within days.”
Exceptional
“When my kids started school, it was my time. I am now a graduated PSW working in home care and a retirement home — loving every day of helping people.”
Passionate
“After years of unfulfilling jobs, the PSW program at Anderson gave me purpose. Ms. Lanie Portugues mentored me, and I secured a position soon after graduation.”
Transformative
“Anderson's career services team secured my internship which led to a full-time job offer. The diverse student body broadened my perspective.”
Friends
“I didn't know English well, but Anderson accepted me and helped me graduate. Today I love my job as a caregiver at Peak Home Health Care.”
Amazing
“Despite 4 kids, I passed every test and challenged the NDAEB exam — completing my college education and a respected job all within one year at age 41.”
“A young, scared, single mother — the Paralegal program at Anderson was a place where I felt safe and an active member of a community.”
“The online platform was user-friendly and Anderson's resources were generous. I'm proud to be an Anderson graduate.”
“Anderson prioritizes relationship-building. I formed lifelong relationships and built a broad skillset that has served me well in my professional life.”
“Professor Farrah Riyahi inspired me daily. Anderson gave me routine, purpose and a future. I'm proud of myself.”
“I graduated with honours from the PSW program. I now help during this unprecedented nursing staff shortage.”
“I'm no longer afraid of going against the current. I have mustered up the courage to make ripples — thanks to Anderson.”
“Majlinda checked in with all of us individually. I landed a job as a payroll clerk at Innercore Installations — my highest salary to date.”
“Anderson is comprehensive — global business standards, computer applications, problem-solving. It's like my second family.”
“My financial aid advisor guided me through every next step. The Anderson community is cooperative, helpful and has your back.”
“My aspirations now go beyond a diploma; I aim to help those in need and open doors that were once closed to me.”
“Lucy Balkwill helped me out of my shell — I graduated on the honour roll, even working full-time as a mom of full-time kids.”
“COVID took my job and people I loved. On graduation day my son said, "You can do anything you put your mind to."”
“Lucy's dedication helped me finish at 100%. I'm now at Berkshire Care Centre — they asked if I'll apply when I'm done.”
“I was lost and didn't speak English well. The MOA program made me look at difficulties as positive opportunities.”
“Miss Hamsha and Miss Margie are the best. As soon as I graduated I got a job — now at a rehabilitation hospital.”
“As a single mom of a 15-month-old, the MOA program's flexible schedule and 60 hours of transcription experience opened doors.”
“Prikita walked us through CIFFA — we all passed with flying colours. I got hired immediately after my practicum.”
“Sara Michaud personally called students who missed a day. Anderson gave me the abilities, knowledge, and self-assurance I needed.”
“Top-notch computer labs, hands-on internships and a supportive learning environment. Anderson took feedback and made positive changes.”
“My journey was amazing.”
“From pausing my dreams to raise my son, to restarting my path in a new country — Anderson helped me turn a long-lost goal into a living reality.”
“From a war-torn Syria to the classrooms of Anderson College — I turned every challenge into fuel for my dream of serving others.”
“From lost, to… the world is my oyster!!!”
“When you want to achieve something, you will conquer even when the road is rough.”
“A second chance at a better future.”
“5 years in healthcare. Taking PSW. I can now make my own schedule doing what I love.”
“Never too late to learn and never too old for an education.”
“What started as a step into dental assisting became the foundation for my dream career in dental hygiene.”
“After my 10-year marriage ended, I needed a chance at a better future — going back to school was it.”
“From a completely different career to a confident healthcare professional — my journey began the day I walked into Anderson.”
“Conducting weekly MS Teams training during COVID grew my confidence to teach online — courage is trying something new even when it scares you.”
“I left a high-paying software job to chase my long-held dream of cardiology. After 1.5 years I finally started my practicum and love it.”
“18 years teaching PSWs at Anderson. The pandemic taught me new tech and let me reach 40-50 students a day across four campuses.”
“From 19 years old, abandoned with a newborn in Africa — to Canada with refugee status. "There's no mountain too big to claim."”
“Trapped in India during the COVID lockdown, I took my career exam online while recovering from COVID. I passed.”
“Laid off in March 2020 then back to greet students by September — taking brave action is what makes a hero.”
“Three weeks new on the job, I held a dying patient's hand. "No one should die alone." I sang hymns to Mary in her final moments.”
“After 20 years in restaurants and two serious seizures, I changed careers at 45. It is never too late.”
“No matter what bad happens you can make something good out of it, if you just look.”
“After foster care and an abusive father, at 29 with five kids I proved my dad wrong by enrolling at Anderson.”
“From a small village in India to Anderson — "You are the one who understands yourself and your passion better."”
“As IT Help Desk, I moved 1500+ employees to WFH in 5 days during COVID. There is always room to learn new skills.”
“Moving from Macedonia to Canada — saying goodbye with everyone in tears. Find the courage to achieve your dreams.”
“I stopped traffic to save a man in a red jacket with a puppy. He named his puppy Brigitte. Courage isn't capes — it's love.”
“I bought lunch and lip gloss for a young homeless artist named Emily. "No one has ever told me I was beautiful before."”
“From Sri Lankan refugee camps for 15 years to MOA at Anderson — with a 2-month-old baby. We can achieve our goal with commitment.”
“Single mom of four. After leaving abuse, completing high school at 21, and surviving my nephew's suicide — long-term care is my calling.”
“Lost my F&B job, moved three times in 2020. Anderson's Message Centre has grown from two to five since March 2021.”
“Survivor of chronic abuse and tachycardia — I chose Cardiology Tech to improve cardiovascular health for fellow survivors.”
“A pack of coyotes circled me in Winnipeg — I escaped by throwing snacks. Face situations courageously.”
“Escaped domestic violence with my 8-year-old son. After every storm, a rainbow.”
“Apart from my husband for years through immigration paperwork. The day after enrolling at Anderson, his paperwork was finally approved.”
“From the Philippines as a live-in caregiver to PSW at Anderson — His plans will always be greater.”
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