Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I grew up in Fiji Islands and my favorite thing about back home is the hot weather, the food and this sense of peace that is felt when staying there.

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have an education in Nursing (Licensed Practical Nursing) and the most important thing I learned was getting to understand myself and my learning needs through the program.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

The most inspiring part of my job is creating bonds and knowing the struggles and hardships that individuals go through to change their career to better their life. It inspires me to want to help and give as much as I can.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is "if you don't clean today, that's okay but remember you don't live with your mom anymore!"

What's something about you that people would be surprised to know?

How much I love to sleep.

What's one song you have completely memorized?

Revelation 19:1 by Maverick City Music

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I grew up in Calgary. My favourite thing about the city is the thunderstorms. I love watching the clouds roll in.

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have a teaching degree, and taught high school English. The most important thing I learned was how to look at problems from many different angles and perspectives.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

I get to see a lot of people at the beginning of their ABES journey and then after they finish. It's always so amazing to see what people are able to accomplish, and how little time it can take for someone to change their life!

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

The best advice I've ever been given is: "Be afraid; do it anyway." You don't always have to be 100% confident to get into something, and if you wait until you are you might miss out on something great!

What are you happiest doing, when you're not working?

I'm happiest when I'm making something. I love to cook, bake, and crochet. There's something about creating something that's so calming for me.

What's one song you have completely memorized?

Champagne Problems by Taylor Swift - It's my daughter's favourite lullaby!

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I am from Malaysia. Malaysia is a multicultural country and you will get to enjoy all kinds of favourite Southeast Asian cuisine almost everywhere.

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have an education in Nursing BSc (Hons) and I learned a lot throughout the journey. Most importantly I learned self development through self-reflection which is helping in my career as well as in my personal life.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

As an instructor, I am able to make a difference in many students' lives who are coming from different backgrounds by collaborating with them toward their success.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

Do not under estimate your strengths and values!

What's something about you that people would be surprised to know?

I've survived working as a Nurse almost 10 years in the desert land Saudi Arabia.

What's one song you have completely memorized?

My heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I grew up in Lloydminster while most of my extended family resided in small towns in Saskatchewan. My favorite part of growing up there was the sense of community. Everyone knew each other and were always happy to help when needed.

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I had a short stint, studying English for a while in University. Mainly, I have gathered knowledge through experience in many different industries. The most valuable thing I have learned is the importance of clear communication.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

In the admission department at ABES we meet people of all ages, from all over the world. Hearing applicants stories and witnessing their positivity and motivation even when they have been through so much struggle is so inspiring. It is such a joy to see these applicants become students, then graduates and find success in a new, life changing career

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

The most important piece of advice I have been given is to always lead with love. Kindness goes a long way in any situation and we never truly know what another individual is going through.

What's something about you that people would be surprised to know?

I've been to 19 countries and taken 2 road trips across the United States. I adore travel! Seeing other cultures first hand is a valuable learning experience.

If you could start a club for something silly, what would your club be about?

If I were to start a club it would be called The Quiet Mom's Club. Wherein a group of moms would each take a turn watching the children at a park, while the other moms quietly read and sipped lattes.

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

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I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

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What's the most inspiring part of your job?

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The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

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Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I grew up in the Philippines, and my favorite thing about it is the people with their hospitality. I love that the Philippines is geographically surrounded by the ocean and we have 7000+ islands.

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and the most important thing I learned was patient care. Patient care with non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic intervention.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

The most inspiring part of my job as a Pharmacy Assistant instructor is to see and feel the students' perseverance to show up every day in school, no matter their age, race, or culture.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

Just show up, trust the process and believe in yourself!

What's your favourite place to eat in Calgary?

Too many to mention. My top 3 are: Ommo Tepanyaki, Kinjo, and Pigeon Hole

If you could start a club for something silly, what would your club be about?

Dancing Dinosaurs Club where everyone will be in their Dino costumes and dance in a public area to spread waves of laughter!

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I grew up in the Steel Town of India called Bhadravati. I love how closed knit this town is. I spent all my childhood days here. My school and college days spent there are my favorite things about this city.

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have a Bachelors in Biotechnology and a Masters in Business Administration. I learnt how fascinating Bio-technology is and how it can be used to improve the lives of the people. From my Masters Degree I learnt critical thinking and analytical skills.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

The most inspiring part of my job is that I get to help people. I help them to select a training program that fits them, which in turn helps them to achieve their life goals.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

The best investment that you can make is in yourself!

What's one song you have completely memorized?

I am really bad with songs! I think the only song that I have memorized completely is the National Anthem of my home country.

What show on Netflix did you binge watch embarrassingly fast?

The Witcher and Daredevil.

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I was born and raised in Calgary. Over the years I have loved watching Calgary's population become more culturally rich and diverse!

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

Social Work! The most important thing I learned through my education was to not only seek respect, compassion and empathy, but to give it in every single situation. We can disagree, but it is only when we have compassion and empathy and treat each other with respect that we can come up with a solution.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

Watching students succeed. So many of our students face hardship while they are in training. Their determination and resiliency never ceases to amaze me. I have taught many times throughout my 15 years at ABES, but I have learned far more from students than I have ever been able to teach them.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

Don't do anything that will cause you to resent someone. If you are going to help someone, do it without expecting anything in return.

What's your favourite place to eat in Calgary?

White Elephant Thai Cuisine.

What's one song you have completely memorized?

Shoop by Salt n Pepa

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

Born and raised in Calgary! One of my favourite things about Calgary is that it is still a small "big" city compared to other big cities in the country and that you can still get just about anywhere in Calgary in 30 minutes or less!

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have an education in nursing. The most important thing I learned is that life is beautiful.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

Seeing the success of our students and how education can transform their lives

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

Find gratitude in everything!

If you could start a club for something silly, what would your club be about?

A potluck club, where we are constantly eating!

If you could create a new invention, what would you create?

A device that washes, folds and puts away laundry.

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I grew up in Punjab India. I love my culture, openness and the country side of Punjab.

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have a Bachelor of Science and an Education degree from Punjab University. I completed my LPN Program in VCC. I have learnt that if you are passionate about something, you can achieve your goals in life if you work hard. I was passionate about education and ended up getting into education after my nursing experience.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

Seeing students succeed and graduate from the program. It is such a proud moment when we see them walk the stage!

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

Always stay curious and hungry for knowledge.

What's your favourite place to eat in Calgary?

Cactus Club

What's something about you that people would be surprised to know?

I wanted to be a Radio host since I was a child. It is still a dream.

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I grew up in Colombia, South America. My favorite thing about my country is the landscape. It has lots of beautiful mountains. Which is the reason why I love living in Calgary, AB as well!

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have Bachelor of Science in Education, with a Major in Chemistry. The most important thing I learned when I was working in the field is that no matter the age, people always need guidance and help.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

That I can put into practice one of my passions: "Helping others to get better in life"

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

The sky is not the limit, only your mind!

What's something about you that people would be surprised to know?

I don't drink coffee being from a country where coffee is the number one globally known product!

What is the weirdest snack you like to eat?

The weirdest snack I like to eat is juice and crackers.

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I grew up in a small town called San Carlos in the Philippines. My ultimate favorite thing about it is being a stone's throw away from the beach and the mountain. It is summer all year long so I get to do lots of fun things with my family all year!

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I am a registered nurse in the Philippines and the most important thing I learned from being a nurse is that sorry is never a nursing intervention. With every action, you have to be careful because it can jeopardize the treatment of the patient. As the saying goes, "Measure Twice, Cut Once.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

The most inspiring part of the job is how collaborative it is. We get to work with different departments of the hospital so we get to learn a lot.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

Per Aspera Ad Astra - Through Hardship To The Stars. Every adversity that we encounter prepares us to reach our best state of self.

What's something about you that people would be surprised to know?

I am a dress-maker and a tailor. Although I took up a medical course, I am also a certified dress-marker. A passion for me is really making gowns and dresses. I made my best friend's wedding gown from when she got married and it is my favorite creation up to date. And oh, I play the guitar!

What's a pet peeve that you would make illegal if you could?

Sneezing in public without covering the nose and mouth!

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

I grew up in Colombia. My favourite things about Colombia are my early childhood memories as my family and I moved away when I was roughly 6 years old.

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have an education in Social Work. The most important things I have learned are: self-awareness and self healing

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

Seeing my students heal from past trauma and then helping others do the same!

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

Treat yourself as you would treat a loved one!

What's one song you have completely memorized?

Taylor Swift's All Too Well (10 minute version)

What is the weirdest snack you like to eat?

I haven't had this in years but: unsalted soda crackers, in milk and sugar.

Where did you grow up, and what's your favourite thing about it?

We moved around when I was a kid but always small towns in either Alberta or Saskatchewan. I liked knowing everyone and having everyone know me. I liked knowing that my parents curled with my teachers and that my dentist was also the choir leader. I babysat for most of my teachers (I'm convinced it is the only reason I passed French). I still love small towns in AB and SASK - it's like coming home.

I have an education in... and the most important thing I learned was...

I have been taking courses forever (and hopefully always will) but I would say the three topics I have studied the most would be Education, Journalism, and Communication. The most important thing I've learned from education is that once you have opened the door to any sort of learning, many more doors - that you didn't know existed - start opening too. When it comes to education it really is about the journey because more often than not the destination morphs into something bigger than you ever expected.

What's the most inspiring part of your job?

My students. They continue to surprise me, they always make me laugh, and I learn more from them than they could ever learn from me.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...

Showing up and being your authentic self is all you need. Just be in the moment.

What's one song you have completely memorized?

Love is All Around

What show on Netflix did you binge watch embarrassingly fast?

Outlander!!