 I love it when I can connect with my patients and make them smile. I know that it makes a difference for them. I never thought I would have a job that would be so meaningful, yet provide me with everything that I needed for my family. I was 17, and I found out I was pregnant. There were hard parts being such a young mom, but I wouldn't have changed it. It helped mold me to who I am now. When Kaylee was younger, I worked a lot. I'd do a night shift, and then I'd do a day shift. It was tough. I remember in particular having a real moment and realizing, you know, I didn't have enough money to pay for cough medicine. I knew I needed a career. I knew I needed education. I needed something that I could be proud of. At the time, I had aging grandparents, and seeing how my grandmother was progressing with her dementia had a really big impact on the decision that I made to become a carerate. My first step was to finish high school. I did the whole graduation cap and gown with my daughter there. After researching, I found a school that was close to home that offered the program. It had a great reputation. Pretty much right out of graduation. I was hired at the place I did my practicum. Working so hard and sacrificing so much of my time to complete this and then to get that phone call, that was a really good feeling. For anyone who is thinking about making a change in their career, I can definitely say that it's never too late. WorkBC is a really good resource to just help find out what you want to do and how to proceed from there. Becoming a caregiver has changed my life in so many ways. It's given me the opportunity to be a role model for my daughter. It's opened my eyes to being more of a caring and compassionate person, and it allows me to care for my patients as I would be caring for my grandmother. I am where I wanted to be.