For Marissa Matthews, graduating from Niagara College’s Personal Support Worker (PSW) program marks the beginning of a new chapter.
After graduating from university in her early twenties, Marissa found herself struggling with mental health challenges that changed the course of her life. Returning to school years later required courage, determination, and a belief in herself. Through support from the government’s Better Jobs Ontario program and the welcoming environment she found at Niagara College, Marissa rediscovered her confidence and a passion for helping others.
Throughout the program, she was drawn to the compassion-centered nature of personal support work and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Her experiences, particularly in end-of-life care, have inspired her future aspirations of working in palliative care and one day becoming a death doula.
Now graduating on June 8, Marissa is proud of how far she has come and is eager to begin her career as a PSW.
“Graduating is recognition to myself that I’m capable of accomplishing hard things in life,” said Marissa.
Q&A with Marissa Matthews
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day? What does it personally mean to you?
It personally means a lot to me. I’ve overcome so much in my personal life and with my mental health to be here, and I’m so very proud of myself to be able to graduate.
What were you doing before attending NC?
Before this, in my early twenties, I graduated from Carleton University, but I landed in a deep depression and mental health spiral that lasted for a while. Completing this program is a part of a new chapter in my life where I’m strong and capable.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
Unemployment and the opportunity to take part in the Better Jobs Ontario program offered through the government is what got me here and made it possible to afford school.
What interests you in / why are you passionate about your field of study?
I am passionate about this field of work because I truly believe everyone deserves a certain level of care and dignity when they’re being treated. Even just cleaning someone up properly and talking to them like they are a human being can change their experience, and I hope I can offer that going forward in my future jobs.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program? Did it change since you started?
After taking an End-of-Life course, my perspectives have shifted and I hope to work in palliative care at some point in the future. Death is a very taboo subject in our society, and not many people are ready for the end, which is why I believe my compassion and skillset could be valuable to people during these difficult times.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
My program experience was wonderful. Many of my professors were a joy to be taught by and I learned a lot from them even outside the classroom.
What did you find rewarding about your program / area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?
I believe that the level of care and compassion that our professors instilled in us will stay with me personally. Learning to have a sense of humour was an important lesson as well. I recall in clinical lab, Professor Powell would always make sure we were having fun while we were learning so that we could remember what we’ve practiced.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
I believe the school as a whole is a very welcoming environment, and that the professors did a great job at keeping it real when it comes to our profession, which has helped prepare me for the future.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
I have been spending time with friends and family, celebrating my graduation, and before graduation I am taking a trip to Nova Scotia to visit some family to commemorate my accomplishments.
What’s next for you?
I plan to have a job lined up for June, so I can start my PSW career as soon as possible!
Any other info you feel is important and would like to share?
In the long term, one of my goals is to work for Hospice Niagara or in palliative care in some capacity. I would also like to take a death doula course and eventually open my own business as a death doula so I can help people maintain dignity, comfort, and support during the final months of their lives.
