By: Tiana, PLANS Co-op program participant

My name is Tiana and I was a participant in the PLANS co-op program. I joined the PLANS Co-op program because I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school. All I knew, was that I wanted to go into something in the medical field. Nursing was my first option, and respiratory therapy was my second. Even though I had these ideas in mind, I had no idea what university I wanted to attend. I didn’t think I could ever get a scholarship with the classes I took in high school, and I didn’t know about all the opportunities that are out there for African Nova Scotian students. Without PLANS, I wouldn’t have been able to figure all of these things out.  

The most significant experience for me is whenever we would have a hands-on activity to do. For example, the respiratory therapy students from Dalhousie had brought in a respiratory doll to practice intubating people. They taught us how to get the tube inside of the lungs, instead of the stomach; the two often get mixed up for beginners. For audiology, they had brought in the actual machine they use to test a person’s hearing. They taught us how to use the machine and got us to practice on each other. These were two of many notable experiences for me because they were interactive and we got a chance to learn what actually happens in that specific profession, and this is what made our co-op sessions fun. 

PLANS has helped encourage me to pursue a career in nursing. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders now knowing what I want my career path to look like, and how to get there. They pointed me in the direction of programs I can take to get the education I need in order to go into Dalhousie’s nursing program. I want to thank Sarah, Sydney, and everyone else involved for helping me over the course of the program. You have helped me more than you know and I deeply appreciate it. 

By:Emtenan, PLANS Co-op program participant

My name is Emtenan and this is my first year with PLANS (Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians) as well as my first ever Cooperative placement. I am thrilled to share my experience as a PLANS Co-op student with others!

When I registered for my school’s Co-op course, I wasn’t sure what career I would like to follow as a Co-op placement. I had various ideas such as nursing,dentistry, or even pharmacy. One thing I knew for certain, I really wanted to pursue a career that is health-related. After expressing my concern that I didn’t know what career I would like to choose for my Co-op placement, my teacher had informed me about PLANS Co-op placement. I was told that it’s a Co-op placement for African Nova Scotian youth that are interested in pursuing a career in health/science but aren’t sure exactly what career. This program is designed to allow students to explore various health careers that may be of interest to them. I was glad to hear of this program as this program seemed to be perfect for my particular situation. I had joined PLANS in hopes to further my knowledge of health-related careers in hopes to find a career I love that I can pursue.

My most notable experience as a PLANS Co-op student is definitely the time when faculty, professionals and students from Health Sciences had visited and Respiratory Therapists allowed us, students, the opportunity to practice intubating on a mannequin . Being able to use the tools that real Respiratory Therapists use to simulate how to assist patients in breathing had made me feel very professional, almost as if I was a Respiratory Therapist. Being fortunate enough to have hands-on based activities had made me learn so much more about intubation as well as make the activity that much more engaging. I’m not sure if I could properly explain how much enjoyment I had when I was capable of getting the mannequin to breathe.

My time as a PLANS Co-op student has undoubtedly encouraged me to pursue a career in health/ science fields as well as develop a passion for health by introducing me to various diverse health-related careers. I’m very fortunate that PLANS has given me the opportunity to learn of many interesting health-related careers that I hadn’t heard of prior to participating in this program. PLANS has further encouraged me to pursue a career in the health/ science fields by addressing the application process for these programs as it can be intimidating. Furthermore, this program has provided significantly valuable information in applying for scholarships as financial aid can be a barrier to pursuing such careers.