The students who pass through the Academy of Learning Career College (AOLCC) are a diverse and fascinating group. Each one has its own story to tell about how their journey brought them to AOLCC in search of a new career.
Alumna Nancy Dicken’s story is a case in point. Having joined AOLCC at the age of 59, Nancy is proof that it’s never too late to go back to school and pursue a career you’re passionate about. Learn more about her inspiring journey below and how you can follow in her footsteps.
After a Career in Administration, Nancy Enrolled in the Medical Office Assistant Diploma
Nancy Dicken had already had a career by the time she came to AOLCC. As she says, “I chose this program as an addition to my already long career in Administration while being self-employed together with my husband.” Nancy and her husband had sold their business and moved to Calgary, where she decided to enroll in AOLCC’s Medical Office Assistant Diploma with Health Unit Coordinator program.
Nancy enrolled in the Medical Office Assistant Diploma program at AOLCC
Nancy’s experience in administration already made her a great fit for a medical office assistant career, but ultimately it was AOLCC itself that inspired her to make the switch. “I chose The Academy [Calgary] South because of their reputation, their online ratings together with a lengthy telephone conversation with admissions.”
Nancy Dicken Found a Job She Loves and Has High Praise for the AOLCC Community
While some may feel apprehensive about going back to school at 59, it doesn’t seem to have intimidated Nancy in the slightest. In fact, she retains an infectious sense of humour about it. “I undertook to write the entrance exam and before I knew it, I was in a class with 12 other people at least 30 years younger than me.”
But far from feeling out of place, Nancy was welcomed by the community at AOLCC and she thrived in her medical office assistant courses. “I would never have been School Valedictorian or won a Scholarship if it wasn’t for the Academy of Learning where their amazing staff manages to find all that is good and right in their students.”
Nancy’s journey is a rebuttal to the fear many have that it is too late for them to switch careers and do what they are passionate about. As she says, “Now that I have completed my program, I am working full time at a Retirement Residence and loving it more every day.”
Clearly, Nancy’s passion and the support she received from AOLCC are proof that it’s never too late to find your “moment when” and pursue a career you love. As Nancy says, “Everyone that would aspire to a career in either of these fields [medical office assistant and health unit coordinator] should start right here at the Academy of Learning.”
Are you ready to pursue your passion?
