The decision to return to school had been on my mind for many years. There always seemed to be good reasons at the time why I couldn't or wouldn't. In the last two years I have dared to dream again.

After becoming pregnant in Grade 10, I was unable to continue my education for many reasons. I married and had two more children. I was twenty-one when my third child was born. My marriage ended and I feared that my dream of becoming a nurse would be forever lost if I didn't start working toward my goal.

I started a six-month Home Aid course in Truro. These days were hard on my own with three young children. However, I felt I gained a great deal of willpower and the ability to keep moving forward when things look grim.

I worked in a few nursing homes in Nova Scotia but I wanted a new start so I moved to PEI. I worked at a variety of jobs - mostly seasonal - and I also did some private home care. The home care allowed me to help and in some cases change someone's life.

In 2000-01 I changed jobs twice. The job I got in 2001 gave me enough pay to support my family but it was dangerous to my health. In a few months I became ill. After six weeks I found out that my illness was work-related. I decided it was my turn to get educated so I didn't have to work in environments that make me ill.

My new husband and I now have five children at home. They have encouraged me to fulfill my dream.

Eventually, I would like to work in an operating room or delivering babies.

The first step I took was to go to HRDC and ask for help. They pointed me in the right direction. I registered for full-time day classes to get three high school credits and I attended night classes to work on my GED.

My long-term goal is to get a degree in Nursing. This will take from five to seven years. Meanwhile I will work as an LNA and take a couple of courses at UPEI. By age 40 I will be doing what I have dreamed about all my life.

My personal goal is to continue to provide the best care I can to my children. I hope I can instill enough knowledge in them that they will be successful in their education and career choices.

As for me, I am going to work as hard and forceful as I can, step-by-step to make sure my life dream happens.

- Janet DesRoches

Editors note: Janet DesRoches won a 2002 PEI Literacy Alliance adult bursary. She is now studying in the Licensed Nursing Assistant Program at Holland College.