CeraVe Skincare Scholarships for Diversity and Equity

I am Maria Agpaoa, a 33- year-old Filipino, who was a temporary foreign worker in Canada in 2014 and has just recently earned my Canadian citizenship this June. Five years ago after becoming a permanent resident, I felt the emptiness and uncertainty of my purpose in life. From there, I started dreaming of becoming part of the Canadian healthcare workforce and envisioned myself to serve the community as a nurse. That vision was very clear, and here I am now, working as an employed student nurse and an incoming fourth-year student at the University of British Columbia- Okanagan. Interestingly, my nursing journey and motherhood started both at the same time. I would say it has made me stronger and wiser as I handle the different hats I wear as a full-time mom, full-time wife, full-time student, and part-time worker. 

As a student nurse, I have witnessed clients in their most vulnerable situations. It is indeed a privilege to be the nurse who has cared for and advocated for them when they cannot do these for themselves. I have learned that as part of the marginalized population, it is very fulfilling to deliver equitable and compassionate nursing care to everyone regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, economic status, and sexual orientation. My pursuit in this path is to represent and support the Canadian healthcare system in its mission and vision as we all provide care for the entire community.