Second career student Antonia Johnston made friends for life while completing NC’s Practical Nursing – Alternative Delivery program. She also made the list of Dean’s Award winners in pursuit of her dream to land a nursing job in an acute mental health unit – a goal she has since realized.
As Johnston receives her diploma on June 18, we checked in with her to learn about her college experience as she embarks on a career in healthcare.
Antonia Johnston
Age: 40
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
Program: Practical Nursing – Alternative Delivery
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award, School of Nursing and PSW (91.353%)
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I am honoured and shocked. I knew my GPA was high, but I never thought it was the highest. I feel so blessed to be recognized with such an amazing award.
To what factors do you attribute your academic success?
Surrounding myself with like-minded people who pushed me to do my best and helped me when I was anxious contributed to my success. They say your nursing school friends are your friends for life and I find that to be true.
What motivates you to succeed?
I am motivated by the ability to take care of my patients properly and to keep them safe. It is my duty to do the very best that I can in learning the material.
What led you to study at NC and to your program specifically?
My goal to become a nurse led me to NC.
List any other postsecondary credentials you have achieved.
I graduated from Fanshawe College in 1999 with a Fitness and Health diploma. In addition, I attended two years of university with a focus in social sciences.
What interests you about your field of study?
I am very interested in cosmetic nursing and mental health nursing.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind?
When I enrolled at NC, my goal was to obtain a nursing job in an acute mental health unit. I have been hired at the St. Catharines hospital for RPT on an acute mental health floor, and I also work full-time at a cosmetic clinic as a cosmetic nurse, so I am truly living my dream.
What was your situation when you enrolled at NC?
I am a second career student.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights? What did you find rewarding or particularly beneficial?
My program was difficult, and succeeding was the highlight. I found the practical aspect to be very beneficial. Spending time in the state-of-the-art lab made a huge difference and made it an easier transition to practice at the hospital.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
I worked as a PSW doing home care during the program.
Were you involved in any clubs/ teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
After my second term, I participated in an International Field Studies trip to Ecuador through NC’s Be World Ready program. I feel so blessed to have been able to do that and I plan to do it again. I was also a NC peer tutor for several semesters.
Niagara College is celebrating its 5,000 spring graduates with its first-ever virtual convocation ceremonies from June 15-19. Visit the College’s Virtual Convocation site to view the schedule or to access the livestream ceremonies: niagaracollege.ca/virtualconvocation/.
