Between classes: Ivana Culina

Ivana Culina

is happy with her newfound freedom

Education:
Community Mental Health Worker Program, 2007

Currently:
I am completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing at Douglas College and will graduate December 2010.

Work:
Community Mental Health Support Worker at the Provincial Assessment Center for the Dually Diagnosed

About me:
I value honesty and everything I choose to do in my life I do with passion, dedication, and dignity.

Future goals:
My goal is to get my master's and open up my own group home.

The hardest thing about college  

was trying to balance the demands of school, family and friends. They all require time and effort; some more than others. It took me a while to find my course and establish a happy medium. It still can be a juggling act.

College taught me

to think critically and to keep an open mind no matter which situation I encounter at school or out in the community. It taught me the value of an education and how important it is to empower yourself as an individual. Education gave me the ability to stand firmly on my own two feet.

I didn't learn from a textbook

to expect the unexpected and to act quickly on my toes. The situations that you encounter at work could never be explained through a textbook. Textbooks provide a snapshot of a situation but what the workplace teaches you is how your personality, character, feelings and emotions all play a significant role in how you deal with situations and the outcome.

It's too difficult to choose

just one favorite teacher because I have gained so much from many different instructors throughout my years at Douglas College and they have all contributed to who I have become today. I thank all my instructors who have given me an opportunity to learn and explore such exciting and challenging topics and subjects. We have wonderful and knowledgeable instructors at Douglas College who all equally deserve recognition.

The best thing about college

was gaining my independence and the freedom to learn. I realized that there is a wonderful world of exciting and significant knowledge waiting at my fingertips and I just needed to open a book, work in a group, or interact with an instructor.

Links

Community Mental Health Worker Program
Bachelor of Science, Psychiatric Nursing Program
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