My name is Malaika and I was made aware of the PLANS Co-op Program through Dalhousie after my fall semester co-op opportunity was cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions. Looking back, I am happy that I was able to take this co-op opportunity instead, as it showed me the many different jobs and services offered in the field of healthcare.

My post-secondary plans have always been to pursue a career in nursing. I have known that I wanted to be a nurse since grade 9. I wanted to help people and I liked the versatility that nursing seems to offer. Since completing the PLANS co-op program with Dalhousie, I am now aware of so many new ways that nursing could be a fulfilling and rewarding career for me. It also allowed me to explore different jobs in the healthcare field and know for sure that nursing is still what I wish to pursue.

The PLANS program offers so many opportunities for students to explore the healthcare field in hands-on ways. We got to meet people who work in different parts of the healthcare system and learn how they found their paths in their careers. It was also a great chance to learn about how the degrees and programs at Dalhousie can support my career goals, and I got to learn about the high school credits and admissions requirements for the programs I was interested in. The mentors also let us explore mock CASPER tests, so that we could get a real feel for the expectations at nursing school and certification programs.

As a grade 11 student, the PLANS Co-op program has definitely helped me to select courses for my senior year in high school. I also feel much more prepared to apply for nursing school. For example, I now know when to apply and what the expectations are for my grades and the application process. PLANS also gave us information on scholarship opportunities that we can apply for based on our future plans, and now I feel that not only do I know what I want to do after high school, but I know that I have access to resources that may make it more financially realistic for me to pursue.