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Fraser Valley ‘Mom of the Year’ discovers a passion for health care

It’s never too late to pursue your dreams
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With amazing grades, making her family proud and inspiring her kids, Lindsay is on cloud nine!

“They say your 40s are the best years, and I’m starting to think they’re right!” Going back to school in her 40s was a tough decision for Lindsay McAuley, but she was determined to reimagine her life and start a career as a Nursing Unit Clerk.

Looking back

Life wasn’t always smooth sailing for Lindsay. Her childhood was lost as she took on a parental role in the family. By the time she was a teenager, she was looking after her siblings and ailing grandmother. With bills to pay and a family to feed, Lindsay wasn’t able to finish high school. “I didn’t complain about what I had to do, I just did it.”

After years of putting others first, Lindsay decided to take some well-deserved me-time. She set off to Mexico with friends from work, and met her now-husband, Gerrod. That trip proved to be a turning point in her life.

Moving forward

Lindsay fell in love and got married. When they moved to Abbotsford, the restaurant Lindsay worked at became too far to commute. With Gerrod’s encouragement, she quit her job and looked into furthering her education. Lindsay took the first step and passed her grade 12 equivalency.

Over the years, their family grew. Lindsay started working graveyard shifts at Tim Horton’s to contribute financially to the family, while taking part-time classes at the University of Fraser Valley. At the same time, she started volunteering at Abbotsford Regional Hospital. This is where her passion for health care took root.

“I volunteered in emergency and pediatrics because I wanted to be a nurse. They have the most amazing job, but I realized nursing’s not for me.”

Gerrod’s aunt was a Nursing Unit Clerk and recommended Stenberg College. As she learned about the career, she knew it would be perfect for her.

They say your 40s are the best years, and Lindsay truly agrees!
They say your 40s are the best years, and Lindsay truly agrees!

Mom of the year

Lindsay enrolled in Stenberg College’s 40-week Nursing Unit Clerk Diploma program. Determined to do her best, she shifted her entire focus to her education. Her son, Rheece, described how hard his mom worked. “I think my mom is the mom of the year every day.”

Between being a full-time Nursing Unit Clerk and a full-time mom, Lindsay leads a busy but fulfilling life. Her hard work has inspired her kids to work harder. Hired right out of practicum in Abbotsford Hospital’s Cardiac Care Unit, Lindsay shares, “I feel like I’m on cloud nine right now. I did it. I got amazing grades and made my family proud.”

Inspired by Lindsay’s journey? Visit Stenberg College’s website to learn more about the career and the Nursing Unit Clerk Diploma program.