Single mom achieves life-long dream

All through her post-secondary studies at Malaspina University-Collge in Nanaimo, Susan Cowie visualized herself walking across a stage, receiving a university degree.

On Friday, Cowie's dream became a reality - she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Cowie was among 271 students graduating during Malaspina's fall convocation ceremony at the Port Theatre.

The degree is the crowning achievement for Cowie, a single mother of two, who launched a major career change. In six short years, she went from working as a hotel server without a high school education at a Parksville hotel, to working full-time at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital as a Registered Nurse. “It’s been a lot of hard work," said Cowie. "But what a great feeling.”

Cowie, born and raised in White Rock, dropped out of high school part way through grade 12. Back then, she didn’t value education. “I got married young, had children, and worked in a series of jobs, mostly in the food service industry,” she recalled.

While off work due to illness, Cowie contemplated her future. If she wanted a better paying job to support her family, she needed to upgrade her education.

Cowie enrolled in Malaspina’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) at the Parksville/Qualicum Centre, and completed courses in English 12, Math 11, History 11, Biology 11 and 12 and Chemistry 11. She earned a high school diploma in July 2002, and received a $1,500 scholarship toward further studies.

Cowie’s dream of becoming a Registered Nurse motivated her to take university classes at Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus. In September 2002, she started the four year degree program. Juggling courses, raising a family and working 32-hours a week was no easy feat.

“During the past year at Malaspina, I worked nights as a Licenced Practical Nurse, and went to school during the day,” said Cowie. “It was exhausting. There were sacrifices on everyone’s part (in my family), but it’s been well worth it.”

With high demand for trained nurses, Cowie landed a job before she graduated. She was hired full-time at NRGH in September under the new graduate initiative for the Vancouver Island Health Authority, which gives her a full-time job with benefits for a year.

“I love my job,” said Cowie. “I’ve completed my degree, but the learning never stops. There’s always something new.”

Does Cowie offer any advice for others thinking about returning to school? "It's a big leap," she said, especially if you've been out of school for a while. "Many people won’t do it out of fear. But you have nothing to fear but fear itself. That belief kept me going.”