Finding the right path

Hi there, my name is Jaime Sweet and I am an RDC alum (Medical Lab Assistant, 2019) and a soon-to-be graduate of the Media Studies and Professional Communications Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic. I grew up in Ponoka, Alberta and have lived in Red Deer for the last four years. 

Pursuing a career within the medical profession had been something that was very important to me, so I applied to the Medical Laboratory Assistant Program in 2018. My usual explanation for having a strong interest in the medical field is that I have always wanted to help others.  

However, as I have become more comfortable with my journey, a more in-depth answer is that my experiences in hospitals, due to a chronic health condition, led me to wanting to pursue a career in a medical setting. 

Throughout my life, I have had three open heart surgeries. These experiences have allowed me to gain perspective on the things I want in a career, and the things that are important in my life. I knew from my experiences what patients want and wanted to do what I could to make their stay in the hospital a little better.  

Within the Medical Laboratory Assistant program is a course on health care communications taught by Cindy Brooks. It was during this class that I realized a career in communications was more of what I wanted to pursue. Listening to Cindy discuss the activities and assignments that her Media Studies and Professional Communications students were participating in struck a chord with me.  

Despite feeling drawn towards a different program, I continued to complete my Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate. However, during my practicum at the Red Deer Regional Hospital, I began to feel lost. I discovered that working in a medical environment was triggering for my mental health due to my past experiences with the medical field. This led to me taking a break from school after convocation.  

I then connected with a therapist and started discovering a path that was right for me. I found myself constantly wondering about the Media Studies and Professional Communications program and how it felt like a much better fit for me, so I applied and decided to return to Red Deer Polytechnic. 

Red Deer Polytechnic provided an open learning environment where I felt like I was constantly supported. Thanks to the small class sizes, it allowed for thorough discussions with instructors, and hands on learning.  

With the help of a therapist, I was able to discover what career path was best for me and what steps can help me to achieve my goals. Mental health resources are something that should be accessible to all those who need them. The Counselling Services at Red Deer Polytechnic has a range of mental health resources available for those who are in need during their educational journey.  

While I am not in the career that I originally pictured for myself, my experiences at Red Deer Polytechnic have led me in the direction of a career that fulfils my passion daily by allowing me to be creative and build strong relationships with others. Throughout my journey with Red Deer Polytechnic, I have learned that it is okay to evolve, pursue what makes you happy, and put your mental health first.  

Completing my practicum with the Marketing and Communications Team at Red Deer Polytechnic has provided me with the experience of working on a welcoming and professional team as well the skills I need to find a fulfilling career. Although I am not sure where my career will lead me after graduation, I am excited and open to all the possibilities ahead.