Sidney Stefanac didn’t know what she wanted to do after high school until she took a tour of Niagara College. After that introduction to NC, her goal was determined: study in the Pharmacy Technician program.
Stefanac made the most of her time at NC, learning all she could to set herself up for a career, which has already started in a community pharmacy.
Here’s what else she had to say about her time as a student and what’s next.
Sidney Stefanac
Hometown: Niagara Falls
Age: 21
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award, School of Allied Health, Pharmacy Technician program, (97%)
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I am so honoured to be receiving the Dean’s Award. I did not think that I would have had the highest GPA in the program. I have always tried hard to succeed as my grades are important to me, but I never would have thought I would have achieved this accomplishment.
To what factors do you attribute your academic success? What motivates you to succeed?
I have always been a perfectionist, which can be good and bad. I feel like it drives me to push myself to be the best. I work hard to learn, succeed and be the best that I can possibly be. Also, my family is a good support system. They help and support me to achieve my goals but also ground me and keep me sane when I need it the most.
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
Science and math have always been my favourite subjects and this area of study is a good combination of both. I love learning about medications, I like doing calculations and I enjoy the hands-on aspects, such as compounding. I am passionate about this field of study because I have always wanted to work in health care and have a positive impact on people.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind?
I would like to be a hospital pharmacy technician. I really feel like this would be the best fit for me in the future.
What was your situation when you enrolled at NC?
Right out of high school I had no idea what I wanted to do. I planned to go to university, but I did not find the right fit. So I decided to take a year off of school to figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I worked, saved money and did research on paths I possibly wanted to pursue. During that time, I took a tour at Niagara College without any programs in mind. In my time there I found this program and now I’m so happy with the decision that I made.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
I was lucky to have two different co-op placements. My community placement was at Boggio and MacKinnon Pharmacy in Niagara Falls. My hospital placement was at the Hamilton General Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy. Both of these placements offered different but amazing knowledge and practical experience. All the people were amazing, welcoming and helpful and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work in these settings. I feel co-op combined with lectures and labs offers a well-rounded education that will benefit me in my future endeavors.
Did you face any challenges over the course of your study?
In the beginning of the program, I had no pharmacy experience and many of my other classmates did. This was hard because I felt more behind than the others. With more work and studying, I was able to catch up and learn a lot. Also, balancing work and school was a struggle. Time management is definitely essential, but I got through it and I am happy with all that I accomplished.
What is it like to graduate at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It was sad that I was able to have the actual campus experience for only a short time. I wish I would have been able to have the actual college experience without having to wear PPE. Despite this, it was extremely rewarding to be part of this program and I am extremely grateful to have labs on campus safely during the pandemic.
What does graduating mean to you personally?
It means all my hard work has paid off and it is time to celebrate all that I have accomplished. Also, even though this part of my life is over, it is going to lead to bigger and better opportunities and goals to achieve in the future.
What have you been doing since competing your studies?
Since my studies, I have been working at a pharmacy to gain experience and preparing for my future exams to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician.
Visit the College’s Virtual Convocation site to view the schedule or to access the livestream ceremonies: niagaracollege.ca/virtualconvocation/.
