John J Vanderlee Award for Male Nursing Students

My name is Zavier Vaillancourt. I was born and raised in Vancouver on the traditional unceded territories of the Musqueum, Tsleil-Waututh, and Coast Salish people. My interests include gravity sports, tree planting, and medicine and healthcare. My journey to becoming a registered nurse followed an atypical course. After years of pursuing education in the natural sciences, followed by a brief venture into environmental engineering, I found myself unsatisfied by the job prospects and the quality of work I was doing. I returned to planting trees, a seasonal job that filled the gaps between seasons, to support myself and allow me time to reflect on my career trajectory and what I was seeking in moving forwards. Historically, I have always been interested in medicine and possess a deep want to help others and contribute in moments of need. I became well versed in emergency first-aid obtaining and holding certificates over the years (BLS, Occupational First Aid Level 3). Tree planting provided me with a way to apply these skills where I was the primary OFA3 for years, including my current role with Zanzibar Holdings. In 2020, I felt I had reached a plateau in this role and looked to nursing as a viable and exciting career where I could build upon my collective academic, first aid, and practical knowledge. I am deeply honoured to have received this award and feel fortunate to the assistance it will provide.